The Elkins Story

Elkins Holdings LLC
BFT Training Unlimited, Inc.
Elkins Marine Training International
Elkins Marine Training International (Nigeria) Ltd.
Elkins Institute
Elkins Training Company

The Elkins’ companies were created with a goal to deliver multifaceted world class training and services that improve people’s lives.

• Elkins – Trusted name in training since 1952
• Grew to 6 locations by 1968, continued to grow to 21 locations in the U.S.
• Purchased by BFT Training Unlimited, Inc. in 1997
• Elkins Headquarters relocated from Texas to California
• Formation of Elkins Holdings, LLC in 2006

The name Elkins is a familiar monogram associated with a long history of
educational excellence and innovative thinking. Established in 1952, the Elkins Institute grew to 6 USA locations by 1968: Dallas, New Orleans, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis and Houston. Undergoing an initial public offering in 1968, the Elkins Institute became one of the top ten over-the-counter-Texas performers, growing to locations in twenty-one cities throughout the U.S.

In 1994, Elkins formed a strategic alliance with Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in Dallas, Texas, establishing the first satellite interactive public access training network. Additionally, the Institute received a national contract from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue commercial examinations for aviation, communication and maritime professionals, subsequently certifying these individuals for federal licensing. These two partnerships led to the establishment of 150 examination sites in U.S. and its territories worldwide, and over 50 interactive satellite sites across the U.S.

Elkins Institute was purchased by BFT Training Unlimited, Inc. in 1997, and the Elkins company headquarters relocated from Texas to California. Although many of our organizations are decentralized, all entities are now under the umbrella of Elkins Holdings LLC. Elkins currently provides technical training, licensing and certification to international organizations, national administrations and non-governmental organizations, individuals and businesses primarily in the maritime and aviation industry throughout the world.

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Elkins Marine Training International (EMTI)

Specialized Areas:

• Marine and Offshore Training
• Military Training
• Government Infrastructure Training
• Commercial Training
• Procurement
• Consulting to Militaries and Governments

Elkins Training Company

Elkins Training Company (ETC) conducts training courses including FCC License Preparatory Courses throughout the U.S. and across the globe. ETC provides training classes for maritime academies, unions and Fortune 500 aviation and maritime companies.

We pride ourselves in extraordinary client services.

Elkins Institute

Through its Elkins Institute (EI) division, BFT Training Unlimited, Inc. functions as a Commercial Operator License Examination Manager (COLEM) for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S.

EI has over 150 affiliate sites that provide FCC classes and/or license exams: individual examiners, colleges and aviation/technical schools. EI also publishes FCC license exam Study Guides, and is an official representative for all publications of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Why choose Elkins?

• Renowned experts in Maritime and Offshore Safety, Military, Security, STCW, Communications, Environmental Protection
• 50+ years of Training Success
• Breadth of Educational Programs
• Official Representative of the U.S.
• Federal Communications Commission
• United States Department of Commerce - Elkins’ Official Advocate
• Working Partner, The World Bank
• Largest Trainer of GMDSS System in the U.S.
• Official International Maritime Organization (IMO) Publications Distributor
• Global Outreach: Training in Qatar, Brazil, Ukraine, Russia, Venezuela, Egypt, Nigeria, United Kingdom, Trinidad
• Desire to fulfill standardized training throughout the world
• Philosophy of Excellence
• Attentive Client Care

Elkins is dedicated to providing you with the best training experience possible.