After two years of research, consultation, and fine-tuning, the ABYC Foundation launched the first official Marine Trades Accreditation Program (MTAP) for schools teaching marine service. MTAP is designed to ensure quality training that is aligned with industry needs, at both high school and post-secondary schools, ultimately creating a bigger and stronger pipeline for much needed entry-level workers. "Over the years, ABYC has developed a lot of resources for schools including a textbook, workbook, and the Marine Service Technology curriculum,” said Margaret Podlich, ABYC Foundation executive director. “The Foundation publishes a biweekly newsletter, hosts the Educator Training Conference, and Educator of the Year Award, all pointed at the marine service instructor. MTAP is a natural next step to providing the gold seal of approval recognizing top-level programs. The ABYC Foundation requests industry support to share news of this program with local schools. A free informational webinar will take place Feb. 24 at 3pm EST to review the MTAP program and address questions. For more information about MTAP and ABYC Foundation Affiliated schools, please visit https://www.teachboats.org/. The ABYC Foundation supports the mission of the American Boat & Yacht Council, with a focus on workforce development and providing resources that create educational and lifelong career opportunities to both current and aspiring marine service technicians. Visit https://www.abycfoundation.org/.