Boat builder
Boat builders construct, repair and refit marine craft from small sailing boats to large sea-going vessels.
Also known as: Marine craftsperson, shipwright
- Starter salary£24,000 a year
- Experienced£42,000 a year
- Typical hours40 to 47 a week
What you'll do
As a boat builder, you could:
- plan out work in line with design instructions
- create decks and hulls from fibreglass and laminates
- make and assemble wooden furniture and fittings
- join boat sections using welding equipment or resins
- service and repair engines
- refit vessels, for example with new electrics or plumbing
- install navigation and communications equipment
- apply finishes using varnishes and paints
- carry out safety and quality checks
Working environment
You could work in a workshop, at a marina or at a shipyard.
Your working environment may be physically demanding, at height and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- design skills and knowledge
- maths knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to learn through your work
- excellent verbal communication skills
- persistence and determination
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a boat builder
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- a course with a commercial training provider
College
You could take a college course to learn some of the skills you would need as a trainee, or to join an apprenticeship.
Courses include:
- boat building
- marine engineering
- marine electrical engineering
- T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
- T level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, for example:
- Boatbuilder
- Maritime Mechanical Fitter
- Maritime Electrical Fitter
- Maritime Pipeworker
- Marine Engineer
These can take between 3 and 4 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Direct application
You can apply directly if you've got relevant skills. Qualifications and experience in joinery, electrics, engineering, welding or plumbing can help.
Other routes
You may be able to take a course with a commercial boat building training provider. Training can range from short courses in marine electrics and joinery, through to full boat building programmes, lasting several months.
Career path and progression
With experience and qualifications, you could become a marine technician or engineer.
You could also move into:
- boat design
- marine surveying
- boat yard management
- maritime sales and support
You could use your skills to transfer to other branches of engineering or into construction.
Career tips
You'll need to be willing to move if necessary, as training providers and boat yards are located in coastal areas around the country.
Guides for this industry
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