Boat builders build, repair and refit marine craft from small sailing boats to large sea-going vessels.
£16,000 Starter
to£35,000 Experienced
45 to 47 a week
evenings / weekends / bank holidays as customers demand
You can get into this job through:
You could take a college course in marine crafts, like the Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Boatbuilding. Some colleges offer introductory courses so you can see if it’s the right choice for you.
You'll usually need:
You could get into this job by doing a boat builder advanced apprenticeship.
This will usually take 4 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.
You'll usually need:
You can apply directly if you've got relevant experience. Qualifications or experience in joinery, engineering, welding, restoration or plumbing can help. It may also help if you've worked with boats or at sea before.
You can join The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology for professional development training.
You can find out more about becoming a boat builder from The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and British Marine.
You'll need:
Depending on the job, you’ll:
You could work in a workshop 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.
With experience and qualifications, you could become a marine engineer.
You could also move into boat design, work as an assistant to a naval architect or specialise in maritime equipment sales and support.
You could use your skills to transfer to other branches of engineering or into construction.