Retiree embarks on new career in marine industry through CFCC

Pete Clark spent over 25 years in the IT industry helping Fortune 500 companies and government agencies solve complex technical challenges. But after retiring, he found himself wanting something more. “Retirement was incredibly boring,” he chuckles. “If you’re single with no kids and no drama, you’ve got to do something.”

At the beginning of this year, Pete connected with CFCC’s Director of Workforce Training and Development Erin Easton. “Erin gave me a thorough guided tour and introduced me to the program instructor, Spencer Nickel. Spence provided me with books for the next session so I could get a head start on reading. I just had to assure him I was signing up for the class before he gave them to me,” he laughs.

Fully committed, Pete put all his belongings in storage, rented a furnished condo, and moved from Maryland to Wilmington on March 1 to begin his new chapter and receive his Yamaha certifications.

Passion for Boating

Pete’s passion for boating developed over time. “I grew up a military brat. After we quit bouncing around between Europe and every southern state with an Air Force base, I went to school right on the James River. Most of my boating was on the James and York Rivers.”

Later, when Pete lived in Annapolis, his love for boating continued. “I had a beautiful little twin-engine cabin cruiser, a 29-foot Cobalt. I used to take it out on the Chesapeake Bay for two weeks every summer.”

Hands-On Learning

Pete’s extensive background in IT gave him plenty of skills, but working with engines was a whole new world.

“The best part was getting hands-on with the engines. That’s all I wanted to do.”

CFCC’s Outboard Systems program prepares students for immediate careers in the marine industry, and Pete is impressed with how quickly his peers are getting hired. “The program trains people so well, they’re stepping right out and getting picked up by marinas and dealerships. I’m hoping to do the same!”

Charting a New Course

For Pete, this isn’t just a hobby. It’s the foundation for his next career. Pete hopes to stay in Wilmington or nearby and work on boats full-time. “If I can find a job here, I’ll stay. Otherwise, it’s back to the Chesapeake Bay for me.”

“My long-term plan is to buy a marina. Many people go into that business from the sales end, but I also want to know the service side. It’s a big part of the business and can be a profit center if done right.”

Lasting Connections

The diversity of students in the program has been another highlight for Pete. From teenagers just starting their careers to older adults looking to deepen their knowledge, the range of experience in the classroom is vast. “We’ve got guys in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who just want to take care of their boats, but they come in here and have a ball. And the connections last. I hear from people who took the class years ago, and they still keep in touch with everyone.”

Looking Ahead

Pete is in the program’s last course, Inline Marine Maintenance, and will finish later this month. He hopes to see the program continue to expand and evolve to meet the growing needs of the boating industry. “It would be amazing to dive into the V6 and V8 motors, especially since that’s where the market is heading.”

Pete’s advice for anyone thinking about joining the program is simple.

“You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. If you love boats, this program will set you up for success.”