NARRAGANSETT – Narragansett High School has entered into a partnership with Yamaha Motor Corp. aimed at expanding hands-on training opportunities for students enrolled in the school’s Marine Professions Career and Technical Education program, school officials announced.
The partnership will provide industry-recognized curriculum, instructional materials, specialized tools and equipment for students in the program, which launched in fall 2025 to connect students with career opportunities in Rhode Island’s marine and coastal industries. The initiative is being supported through a competitive grant from the R.I. Department of Education.
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School officials said the collaboration will allow students to gain experience working with marine systems and equipment while pursuing industry credentials that could support future employment or further education in the marine sector.
“This partnership is an exciting next step for our Marine Professions program,” said Principal Conor McCloskey. “As the program continues to grow, we want to provide students with authentic experiences that connect what they are learning in school to the skills and standards being used in the industry. Yamaha allows us to take that hands-on learning to another level.”
Marine Professions instructors Zack Sirowich and A.J. Dangelo have completed professional development and curriculum training at Yamaha’s headquarters in Georgia through the partnership. The training was supported by Full Keel Marine, a local industry partner that also provides resources and support for the program.
Yamaha officials said the partnership is intended to help address workforce needs within the marine industry.
“Across the marine industry, dealerships continue to face a shortage of qualified technicians, directly impacting service capacity and customer experience,” said Cara Hicks, a marine workforce development specialist at Yamaha Motor Corp. “By partnering with schools like Narragansett, Yamaha is helping build the next generation of marine technicians through enhanced training programs and direct pathways to careers at Yamaha dealerships.”
The Marine Professions program offers instruction and hands-on experiences related to fisheries and aquaculture, marine technology, tourism and hospitality, and other marine and coastal industries. Students also participate in certification programs, boat simulator training and on-the-water learning experiences.
Superintendent Peter Cummings said industry partnerships play an important role in the development of career and technical education programs.
“Partnerships like this are an important part of the continued growth of our CTE programs,” Cummings said. “When industry leaders believe in what we are building and become part of that work, our students benefit.”
Rhode Island’s extensive shoreline and maritime economy provide a range of career opportunities for graduates interested in marine-related fields. School officials said the Yamaha partnership is expected to strengthen connections between classroom learning and workforce opportunities while supporting the continued growth of the Marine Professions program.
Veer Mudambi is the special projects editor of the Providence Business News. He can be reached at mudambi@pbn.com.
