Future Job Skills of Tomorrow Inc. (FJSOT) has launched an innovative pre-apprenticeship OJT initiative aimed at preparing young men and women for careers in the marine industry. FJSOT’s President, Reuben Fenton, is reimagining the future of marine education by presenting pre-apprenticeship classes within a marina facility designated for on-the-job training (OJT).
The “Marine Service Technology” training program is in collaboration with the St. Croix Marine Center facility and based upon a unique curriculum developed by the American Boat & Yacht Council. Fenton stated that “… Our fundamentals of boating mark the beginning of a new era of career development for future marine professionals, however, this training program would not be possible but for the grant writing skills of Eleanor Johannes, FJSOT’s Financial Manager, who drafted the proposal, guided us through the application process and secured funding from the U.S. Department of Interior.”
This federally funded program is thriving with its first group of trainees as of March 10, 2025.
Gallows Bay once served as a hub for fishermen, conch divers and recreational boaters; today, it is the main port for the Town of Christiansted, the St. Croix Marine Center facility, and the OJT program. According to Chris Hanley, owner of the marine facility, “…When I was approached by Mr. Fenton to collaborate in the creation of an OJT program, it was a no brainer, this is a promising solution and offers our young people an opportunity to find a lasting and prosperous career in an industry they are surrounded by.”
The pre-apprenticeship training program includes the knowledge of environmental sustainability—key pillars of today’s modern maritime industry. Ensuring the trainees are well prepared for real world challenges, the program will provide in-depth knowledge of boating and workplace safety, boating and OSHA regulatory requirements, safety procedures, CPR, first aid and fire safety. They will learn about the marine industry, boat maintenance, and the many marine systems onboard today’s complex vessel. This includes marine engines and propulsion systems, electrical systems, and plumbing, making trainees with this basic core skill set employable in the marine industry.
FJSOT is a local, accessible, and federally sponsored program headquartered at the Frederick Center Annex, Christiansted. A series of in-person pre-apprenticeship classroom courses will be conducted by various marine professionals at the office complex. Senator Hubert Frederick, an early supporter of FJSOT, enthusiastically said, “… I am excited about the work FJSOT is doing for our young people in the community. This opportunity to work in the marine industry can pave a bright future for them in terms of job security and stability.
Thanks to the Department of Interior, and our network of local sponsors, trainees on St. Croix who would have faced financial barriers to skill training are provided the opportunity to receive this comprehensive classroom and OJT training at a fully subsidized cost.
The inaugural class of five male & female trainees runs through Oct. 20. This eight month program is designed to foster an environment of empowerment and professional growth, providing an exciting ‘Live, Work & Learn’ experience. Due to FJSOT’s Affiliated School training status with the ABYC, a specialized curriculum was offered for its pre- apprenticeship classroom training and OJT hands-on learning to ensure that every student, regardless of background, receives the support needed to thrive in the maritime sector.
Mr. Fenton states he will continue to build industry partnerships and seek funding opportunities federally and locally to ensure access to high-quality workforce training in the Blue Economy, The marine industry especially, is part of Vision 2040 strategy to diversify US Virgin Islands economy, of which Governor Albert Bryan promoting, and indicate in his recent 2025 Seatrade release about creating jobs.
For more information or inquiries about the fundamentals of “Marine Service Technology” training, please contact:
Reuben Fenton Founder, Future Jobs Skills of Tomorrow, Inc. (FJSOT).
The fundamentals of “Marine Service Technology” training
Email: info@futurejobsskillsoftomorrow.org
Phone: (340) 201-3292
About Future Job Skills of Tomorrow, Inc. (FJSOT) a 501 (c)(3) federally & locally exempt.
FJSOT is a forward-thinking educational organization dedicated to bridging the gap between youth and young adults career opportunities in demand industries. The “Marine Service Technology” training program is one of several planed initiatives in demand areas aimed at providing pre-apprenticeship classroom learning and OJT hands-on learning experiences to prepare the next generation for the jobs of tomorrow, in the US Virgin Islands.
