CFCC Outboard Systems Graduates Thriving at Saltwater Marine

Partnerships with local businesses are vital in helping Cape Fear Community College students transition from classroom learning to successful careers. One such collaboration is with SaltWater Marine, a local marine dealership that has hired a handful of graduates from CFCC’s Outboard Systems program in partnership with Yamaha Marine.

The dealership’s owner, Joel Romig, appreciates the level of preparation CFCC students bring to the job. “We’ve had a couple of real standouts,” Romig said.

Diverse Paths to Success

Two of those standout graduates are Jett Dockery and Jacob Foster. Jett always knew his career would revolve around the water. His passion for boating made enrolling in CFCC’s Outboard Systems program easy. “There’s a lot of industry around here, so there’s always work,” he said. He landed a job at SaltWater Marine soon after completing the program. “As soon as I finished in spring 2022, I was in here, got the job, and finished the class while working.”

Jacob Foster, who graduated in 2023, had a different journey in the marine industry. Before CFCC, he worked as a sous chef. Despite having no mechanical background, Jacob’s determination to pursue a new passion led him to CFCC’s Outboard Systems program. “The Intro to Outboard Systems class gave me a solid foundation,” Jacob shared. One week after finishing the program, he secured his position at SaltWater Marine.

Aligning Education with Industry Needs

When asked what they would tell someone currently in the Outboard Systems program, Jett shares that technical know-how and professionalism are equally important in the workplace. “Communication is key,” Jett explained. When you’re talking to customers, it’s essential to be clear and professional.” Jacob echoed this, noting that “how you speak to the customer matters. Being confident and knowledgeable goes a long way.”

Jodie Knopf, SaltWater Marine General Manager, highlighted the importance of soft skills. “You can teach someone how to fix something in the classroom, but if they can’t communicate with customers or manage the unpredictable nature of the job, it won’t work.” This focus on well-rounded development is why CFCC graduates like Jett and Jacob are so valuable to employers.

CFCC’s Outboard Systems program stays closely aligned with industry needs, thanks to regular input from employers like SaltWater Marine. Instructor Spencer Nickel works with local businesses to ensure the curriculum reflects the current demands of the marine industry. This feedback helps students gain the skills needed to succeed once they enter the workforce.

Opportunities for Growth

For graduates like Jett and Jacob, their time at CFCC has opened doors to further opportunities. Both are considering additional certifications and training as they continue to advance in their careers. “The cool thing about Cape Fear is it opens your eyes to what’s possible,” Jett said.

CFCC’s partnership with SaltWater Marine is a prime example of how the college connects education with career success. Employers like Romig appreciate the reliable pipeline of skilled workers, while students like Jett and Jacob gain the tools and confidence to build lasting careers. As Romig said, “We’re not just training them for a job; we’re setting them up for a successful career.”

Yamaha’s Marine Technical School Partnership program aims to develop a stronger marine technician workforce through a certified curriculum.

To learn more about CFCC’s Outboard Systems program, visit cfcc.edu/job-training/outboard-systems/ .