Yamaha Motors to Assist Maritime Training in Alaska
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The Alaska Maritime Education Consortium (AMEC) is partnering with Yamaha Motor Company to enrich maritime career training.
All Hands-On Education
Yamaha Motor’s US subsidiary signed an agreement with the University of Alaska and the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) in Seward to provide a training curriculum. The agreement also allows AMEC to acquire training materials at or below cost, including engines and tools. Yamaha will also train the trainers.
“The collaboration between AMEC and Yamaha US will significantly expand training in marine engine repair and maritime education in general,” says Tamika Ledbetter, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development, which oversees AVTEC.
Ledbetter signed the agreement along with University of Alaska President Pat Pitney and Yamaha US Marine Business President Ben Speciale.
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May 2026
Governor Mike Dunleavy was present at the signing ceremony at Kenai Peninsula College in Soldotna. “Alaska has more coastline than all of the other forty-nine states combined, making the maritime sector one of the great growth industries in our state,” Dunleavy said. “I look forward to Alaskans reaping the benefits of this unique partnership with Yamaha.”
AMEC combines the efforts of UAA, UAF, UAS, and AVTEC to train workers in ship building, vessel repair and maintenance, port maintenance, and vessel operations.
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