ABBRA Holds Successful Pilot of ‘Step Up to Supervisor’ Class in Maine

Rockland, Maine was the setting for the first offering of the American Boat Builders and Repairers Association's new Step Up to Supervisor Class, a two-day program designed to help new or soon-to-be supervisors better understand their new leadership responsibilities.

Pam Lendzion, ABBRA’s Executive Director noted that “there has long been a need to help prepare our new front line supervisors for what is frequently their first leadership role. ABBRA’s commitment to this program was met with immediate success.”

The pilot program, which was co-hosted by the Maine Marine Trades Association, included modules focused on making the transition from ‘buddy to boss’, leadership and professional development, mentoring, enterprise awareness, the supervisor’s responsibility for the bottom line and human resources compliance. The class instructors were Kirk Ritter, Hinckley Yachts; Pam Lendzion, ABBRA, Susan Swanton, industry expert, Tuesdi Woodworth, Front Street Shipyard, and Ben Ford, Verrill Dana.

“We had engaging instructors and our students were responsive active learners. Our experience in Maine has inspired us to bring ABBRA’s Step up to Supervisor class to many more regions across the country” said Lendzion.

The students in the class were primarily from Maine and represented a broad range of businesses. “We’re always happy to partner with ABBRA and are delighted that they chose Maine for the roll out of this new program. Many of our finest yards sent their new supervisors to this class and we are pleased that we were able to help bring this training to them. Training is an important part of what we do at MMTA.” said Stacey Keefer, Executive Director, Maine Marine Trades Association.

Founded in 1943, The American Boat Builders & Repairers Association strengthens and encourages professionalism in the boat building and marine service industry by providing its members with timely information, training, education, and business services. About MMTA: The Maine Marine Trades Association promotes the growth and prosperity of the marine industry in Maine through its commitment to education and training and the promotion of best management practices focused on the environment and worker safety and health.