Outboard / IO mechanic training?

[Wildfire]

I've got a coworker that is wanting to get some official training to become a boat mechanic. He is looking to do it part time until he retires in 5 years and then keep doing it for supplemental income.

What advice would you give and where can this training be had? We are in NWArkansas, so the closer the better. TIA

[MOP]

My X boss would sponsor people if they paid the extra expense. Basically the schools "are or were" offered free to product dealers think they are still free. But the dealership picked up travel, food and lodging. Maybe you can speak with a few local dealers and get the same deal. The plus for them might be for a part time extra set of hands.

[Cuda]

I believe to be trained at the Mercruiser school, you have to be sponsored by a Merc shop, in other words, you have to work your way up. There are vo-techs that train in it also.