CEDARVILLE — The Marine Trades Institute has broken ground on a 10,000-square-foot facility that will house its Marine Technology School, doubling its enrollment capacity and expanding training opportunities for students pursuing marine service careers.
Set to accommodate up to 50 students annually, the new building will feature a modern workshop, a private dock, and upgraded classroom space. The expansion addresses a growing industry demand for skilled marine technicians and boat builders, according to the school.
“This new facility, bolstered by our partnership with Formula Boats, marks a pivotal moment for the Marine Trades Institute,” said MTI President Nikki Storey in a statement. “It not only allows us to meet the growing demand for skilled marine technicians but also reinforces our commitment to providing students with the best possible training environment.”
The Marine Service Technology Workshop will carry the Formula Boats name for the next decade, highlighting what MTI calls a strong relationship between its programs and marine employers seeking talent.
The project, already underway, has completed initial work such as site preparation and fencing installation. More than 10 area contractors are involved, with MTI opting to use Mass Timber construction, a durable and sustainable engineered wood material. School officials estimate MTI contributes $2.8 million to the local economy each year and expect that figure to grow as a result of the expansion.
“Our intentional investment in local contractors supports our community during the build-out and keeps students flowing into Cedarville where they live, shop, and train,” Storey said.
The expansion coincides with MTI’s 20th anniversary. A celebration marking the milestone is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 22, at Les Cheneaux Distillers in downtown Cedarville. Proceeds from the event will benefit MTI’s student enrichment fund, which helps provide tools, training initiatives, field trips, and student life programming.