How to become
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.
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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
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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.
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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.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a boat builder from the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and British Marine.