Three students chatting in front of marina

A Hands-On Learning Experience at IYRS

At IYRS, you won’t just learn — you’ll do. Our immersive, hands-on programs are built around real-world projects that give you the skills, confidence, and experience to launch a meaningful career in the marine trades or advanced manufacturing. You’ll be part of a tight-knit, supportive community where instructors and peers are invested in your success every step of the way. At IYRS, your potential meets opportunity — and the results speak for themselves.

Enroll at IYRS to immerse yourself in full-time, hands-on training programs, so you can quickly enter or re-enter the skilled workforce in just 6-20 months. Whether you're a career changer, upskiller, high school graduate, or a US veteran, our programs equip you with valuable, in-demand skills to launch or enhance your career.

Graduation and Employment Statistics

Our outcomes reflect what matters most—students completing their programs and securing meaningful employment. Explore our graduation and graduate employment rate data.

Institutional Recognition and Awards

ACCSC Awards

Excellence extends beyond the classroom. Our graduates, like Athena Vieira (Marine Systems ’24)—recently honored as an ACCSC Outstanding Graduate—demonstrates the skill, leadership, and passion that defines IYRS. From mastering complex marine systems to serving as a Chief Engineer in Alaska’s demanding waters, Athena embodies the hands-on training and career readiness our programs deliver.

That same commitment to student success earned IYRS the 2025 ACCSC Commitment to Student Success Award, the Commission’s highest institutional honor. With strong graduation and job placement rates, over 500 hiring partners, and a deeply supportive learning community, IYRS continues to set the national standard for excellence in technical and trades education. These honors reflect the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, and affirm IYRS’s mission to prepare skilled, innovative professionals who make an impact across the marine and trades industries.

Newsweek "Best Maker School"

Founded in 1993, IYRS offers hands-on programs taught by skilled and passionate faculty at our campus located at the edge of Newport Harbor. IYRS was named one of the Best Maker Schools in the world by Newsweek and is nationally accredited by ACCSC and the Rhode Island Office of Postsecondary Commission.

Robust career network of 500+ hiring partners

More than 500 companies seek to hire IYRS graduates in locations from Rhode Island to California to the Caribbean and beyond. Want to work in a location you've always dreamed of? Our Career Development Department will work to connect you directly to employers in your chosen location, wherever it may be.

At IYRS, your education includes building your resume, sharpening your interview skills, and learning how to research companies that interest you—all with the goal of launching your career at a company you’re passionate about.

IYRS supports your career journey with resources like resume and interview prep, and personalized trade apprenticeship and job placement assistance. In your externship, you’ll gain real-world experience and industry connections that set you apart. If you're starting your first job or making a career shift, we’re here to help you land where you want to be.

Explore Career Development

Graduate Success Stories

Kevin Gunther, a 2020 graduate of IYRS's Composites Technology program currently works at Ocean State Composites in Bristol, RI. but still makes time to come back to campus for events like IYRS's annual Career Day.

Philip Erwin, IYRS's first graduate, a 1997 graduate of the IYRS Boatbuilding & Restoration program, is currently Chief Of Facility and Ship Management for National Park Service.

Christian Schade, a 2024 IYRS Marine Systems graduate was one of 10 professionals named a 2025 Outstanding Technician by American Boat & Yacht Council. He currently works for Flux Marine in Bristol, RI.

Samuel Lapham is currently a CNC Programmer at Grady-White Boats in Greenville, North Carolina. After enrolling in IYRS’s Digital Modeling & Fabrication program straight out of high school, he completed the program in just nine months and launched a full-time career by age 19.

Experience Student Life by the Sea

Learn and Work in State-of-the-Art Facilities

At IYRS, you’ll train in facilities designed to mirror the professional environments you’ll work in after graduation. From cutting-edge fabrication labs and composite shops to fully equipped boatbuilding bays and marine systems workspaces, our workshops are built for hands-on learning. You’ll work with the same tools, materials, and technology used by industry leaders—giving you a competitive edge from day one. These immersive, real-world settings empower you to build confidence, master your craft, and turn your skills into a career.

Enjoy Beautiful Newport, Rhode Island

Studying at IYRS places you in the vibrant coastal city of Newport, Rhode Island, known for its maritime heritage and dynamic student life. The campus, located directly on Newport Harbor along historic Thames Street, offers its own marina and is just blocks from downtown Newport.

Newport offers a wide range of activities: catch a ballgame, a wave, or some rays. Students enjoy easy access to parks, marinas, museums, nightlife, and various dining and shopping options. Newport and its surrounding areas offer access to hiking, biking, golfing, surfing, sailing, and attending world-famous music festivals.

Many students live in Newport or nearby Aquidneck Island communities, with IYRS assisting in finding suitable housing. Whether exploring Gilded Age mansions, enjoying the scenic Cliff Walk, or participating in local events, Newport provides a unique blend of culture and community that enhances the IYRS experience.

Students standing up at outdoor events with boats

Bond with Your Peers Through Activities & Events

Your IYRS student experience goes beyond the shops, labs, and classrooms. Student activities are designed to foster a sense of community and connection. From social events like "Friendsgiving" and pancake breakfasts to the annual Student & Alumni Regatta, and our community holiday party, there are numerous opportunities to engage with peers and build lasting friendships. Graduation & Launch Day and end-of-program celebrations further enhance the camaraderie among students, making IYRS a vibrant and supportive environment. These activities not only enrich the educational experience but also create memorable moments and valuable personal connections.

We want you to remember your time at IYRS as some of the best of your life.

Explore Student Activities