While I do 100% agree the fastest and best way for someone to learn at a quicker pace is to start at the bottom at a dealer, I can also tell you that there are some marine tech programs that are worth their weight.
I attended the marine tech program at fort myers institute of technology (fmit) formerly lee high tech central. There were a couple reasons I chose to go to the school in fort myers instead of Mmi in Orlando or one of the other schools ( manatee in Bradenton)
1-Cost of tuition and cost of living. I have a growing family with little ones, and moving to Orlando was very expensive as was the Bradenton area. Fort Myers was closer to the water, and being a die hard fisherman, this gave me extra incentive. Factored into the fact that Mmi was over 20k for the same state mandated curriculum, it didn't make much sense to me. Sure, Mmi has all the bells and whistles as it works with mercury. However, the same basics and core principles are taught at each respective school. Fmit was a state school, so cost was about 1/5th the cost. If he qualifies for a pell grant or scholarship, that will only help to make the costs lower.
2- growing marine industry and a teacher that is involved. The teacher, mike esterline, is very involved in the marine industry. If you put in solid effort and show a genuine interest in the field, he will get you into the marine field. He knows the dealers, their respective owners, and is an active member for the marine association of swfl. At this school, You get what you put into the class. If you are more interested in being buddy buddy with the other guys in the class instead of learning, this school is not for you.
The class is basically geared towards giving you the know how to be a successful entry level tech. You learn the principals behind 2 stroke and 4 strokes, diesels, stern drive, straight drive, etc.
you will learn nomenclature in the marine industry. This in itself is very important. It is great to able to identify the port vs starboard side, the aft or bow of a boat. Knowing what a stator, rectifier and coil are and do....
You will tear down a small 2 stroke down to the crank, and put it back together using the service manual.
You will learn to write service orders, diagnose and repair engines and systems.
You will learn how DC electrical systems work, and the proper way to rig a boat (switches, fuses/breakers, etc)
I could seriously go on and on about the different things that you learn in the class.
In my case, this next plus didn't really apply as I've been boating since I was in diapers and already held my captains license, but another big issue is you get real world boat handling experience/diagonosing. Sometimes The only way to verify a repair or identify the problem is water test the boat. Mmi does not offer any on the water training and neither did manatee. For someone who has no or limited boating experience, this can be a huge selling point.
The other big difference between going straight to a dealership vs the school is that at the school, you have the time to ask questions and fully understand what you are doing. At the dealer, it is all about making the most of your time to make a profit.
As I stated before, the school is to get you ready to walk into a dealership and not feel totally lost. The dealers do not expect you to come in and be able to rip apart a tranny or lower unit and put it back together. They do want you to be able to do basic items like verify that a bilge pump and float switch are working, and be able to change out the bearings on a trailer, etc. you will learn the more intricate systems at the dealership, and when they send you for manufacturer school/training.
Only you and your son know the level he is at and if the school would be beneficial. Feel free to pm me if you have any other questions.
Dan
j/k
