We had the privilege of hosting our first internship last summer with a student from the International Yacht Restoration School (IRYS) in Newport, RI. IRYS is an experimental learning school that teaches students the skills they need for in-demand jobs in composites technology, marine systems, boat-building and restoration.
For the past two to three years the hardest segment of the workforce for employers to staff, according to ManpowerGroup, is skilled talent is trades - welders, electricians, painters, carpenters, machinist, etc. Huckins has certainly experienced this shortage first hand. For generations the focus has been to go to college and get a degree. This has pushed the average age of skilled-trade workers in the U.S. to 45 years and over, many of who will be retiring soon with no one to fill their shoes. This shortage also presents a wonderful career opportunity for young people today. If you're someone who doesn't' want to sit behind a desk, is creative and likes to use their hands, please go learn a trade. We need you!
We created the Huckins internship in effort to build up careers in the trades, shorten the age gap, and continue to pass on the tradition of boat-building and craftsmanship. Adam Mead was our first intern, but hopefully not our last.
Q&A with Huckins Intern Adam Meads
Why did you want to get into the marine industry?
I really like to sail and I thought it would be a dream job to work on boats.
Why did you decide to get into trades?
I really like woodworking projects.
What is your ultimate career goal?
To build and design boats.
Had you ever worked in a boatyard prior to Huckins?
No, Huckins was my first boatyard.
Were you nervous about your internship at Huckins?
Not nervous, but excited for new experience.
Did you learn any new skills while at Huckins?
I learned a lot about fiberglass and the way to apply it.
What was the most challenging project at Huckins?
Everything was difficult it its own way, but nothing to crazy.
What was your overall experience like?
Doug Beebe was a good teacher and very thorough on the projects that needed to be completed. It was a good internship, but really hot at times. I'm from cold Rhode Island remember. I really enjoyed staying at the yard and being able to see the river.
Huckins Carpentry Foreman, Doug Beebe said, "It is great to see people who want to work and learn a trade, my experience with Adam was all positive."
Adam is a recent graduate of IYRS and has accepted a job on the Mayflower II in Mystic, CT. The Mayflower II, is Plimout Plantation's full-scale reproduction of the tall ship that brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth in 1620. The project is scheduled for completion in 2019.
Interested in being a Huckins intern? Email resume and note dept. of interest (mechanical, electrical, carpentry, paint or dock) to info@huckinsyacht.com.