STCW is a battery of marine training that affects a majority of mariners employed on vessels working in the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. Without these respective trainings, mariners will have their licenses revoked and, with that, their ability to continue employment. The deadline for all trainings to be completed is February.

Young Memorial’s response of new course offerings has been clear: to offer affordable training, to alleviate the loss of jobs, and to maintain a certified workforce.

Additionally, the offerings of these trainings produced an unexpected lift to the local economy in various ways.

The principal means of this economic impact is
three-fold:

1. Influx of new economic activity through out-of-parish students.
2. Retention and creation of jobs.
3. Grant awards with the Louisiana Department of Labor’s Incumbent Worker Training Program.

Young Memorial has enjoyed a long history of training many local and out-of-town students due to a reputation of high-quality instruction and low tuition costs.

Typically, out-of-town trainees patronize local lodging establishments, restaurants and entertainment venues.

"An unexpected bonus has been the economic benefit realized by the local area hotels, restaurants and the local tourism industry as employees attending Young Memorial spend monies while attending training," said Rodney Coco of Seacor Marine of Morgan City.

Since Young Memorial’s STCW course offerings have been established, an average has been 80 new trainees, many of which are not from the local area.

According to school records, new marine trainings have brought over 6,500 students to Young Memorial Campus, more than 5,000 students come from outside St. Mary, Lafourche, Terrebonne and Iberia parishes — 2,770 are out-of-state. Using even conservative estimates, it is clear to appreciate how this enrollment demographic has placed several hundred thousand new dollars in the local economy annually.

"As a second-generation, locally owned and operated business since 1957, we have been part of this community’s growth and development. We realize the importance of the marine industry and have built our business on this relationship. Young Memorial’s Marine Program has impacted our business economically in a very positive way," said David Arcemont, owner of Twin City Motel in Morgan City.

"We have enjoyed having marine students from Washington, all across our country, to Maine. They, in turn, have addressed the school and their instructors as professional and helpful. We are ever grateful for the presence of Young Memorial in our community," he said.

Presently, nearly all of Young Memorial’s marine trainings occur entirely in Morgan City. Two courses, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and Survival Craft Exercises, are offered in Houma. Young Memorial is presently seeking space to offer these locally.

Along with this positive entrance of revenue is the undeniable prevention of job loss. The International Maritime Organization and the United States Coast Guard maintain that any mariner, regardless of experience, must complete appropriate STCW courses.

Young Memorial has afforded thousands of mariners and dozens of companies an alternative at a fraction of the cost. Typically, Young Memorial’s tuition is 50-90 percent less expensive than other providers. Thousands of marine trainees would have lost their licenses and positions, causing a domino effect through an already lean applicant base.

"The business community’s reliance on a qualified workforce is essential for their success. Without Young Memorial’s marine training program, this business challenge would be extremely difficult, if not devastating. Through the school’s standard programs and custom training through the Incumbent Worker Program, Young Memorial provides an essential element in the continued growth and success of business and industry in St. Mary Parish and Louisiana," said Emile Babin, president of the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce.

The local economy also has benefited by the creation of new jobs. Young Memorial itself has quadrupled its marine staff, expanding from 3 to 15 faculty and staff positions. What amounts to a new small business has been created since the expansion began two years previously.

Many of the salaries for these positions have been the direct result of the Louisiana Department of Labor’s Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP).

The IWTP focuses on job retention via upgrading a company’s employee certifications. IWTP provides benefits by awarding tuition-funded training for companies, travel expenses, and other resources necessary for training. The IWTP arrived at the right time for seven local marine companies that were awarded a collective $2 million for training, instructors’ salaries and course establishment.

"A unique and powerful benefit of the Incumbent Worker Program is that it lays the foundation for economic development beyond the two-year grant limitation by creating long-term industrial and educational relationships — relationships that have been strengthened by the success of this program," according to Sandra Taylor, Assistant Dean for Incumbent Worker.

Companies awarded Incumbent Worker Grants have given substantial donations that were used to procure buildings, equipment and supplies. One condition of the grant is that companies provide wage increases for successful trainees — another positive economic benefit.

"LTC, Young Memorial Campus, has had a tremendous impact on business and industry in St. Mary Parish," said Jeannie Bailey, manager of the St. Mary Parish Job Center.

"Without the initiative taken by Young Memorial’s director, Greg Garrett, and his staff, many individuals would be out of work at this time. Through the Incumbent Worker Training Program, many grants were written with the assistance of the staff at Young Memorial. Thousands of individuals were able to receive valuable training in order to upgrade their positions and receive promotions. In addition to this, many individuals were able to receive training and certifications in order to keep their jobs. Many jobs would have been lost in St. Mary Parish without the valuable training and numerous programs offered through Young Memorial," she said.

Sharon Howell, general manager, Morgan City Holiday Inn, said the Incumbent Worker Program "has generated 3,000 room nights over the last two years."

"We feel very fortunate to be associated with Young Memorial on this project. The Incumbent Worker Program has had an impact on the economy during a very slow period," she said. "Thanks to the efforts of Gregory Garrett and his staff, we were able to benefit from this program in our community. I look forward to working with Young Memorial in the future and hope this program continues."

Revenue is also used for purchases in the local area. Items from office supplies to safety equipment were purchased locally, within state guidelines.

"I feel like I am a representative of several local businesses that have benefited from the school’s recent expansion," said John Landry Jr. of Gulfland Office Supplies in Morgan City. "When business is kept locally, there is a positive impact that goes beyond the bottom line."

The results indicate that Young Memorial contributes to the educational and financial welfare of the local economy. Though this activity covers a two-year span, the contributions will remain and potentially grow, specifically in the areas of advanced marine training and petroleum safety.