Based on my 35 years experience in the marine industry, I can vouch for the fact that many of the top professionals work out of pickup trucks, vans, trailers, other boats and sometimes with just a carry on they place in a car trunk or back seat. It's an interesting and fun industry offering a real myriad of experiences. Folks whom have any knowledge of the industry realize this. But you're absolutely correct, "can't fix stupid"!
Yes, there are people with engineering degrees at Highline. However, people with a LOT of drive and smarts can get pretty far without a college degree. Just ask Bill Gate and Steve Jobs. They both got pretty far without one. Highline seems to fit that bill, too.