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Boat builder

Alternative titles for this job include Marine craftsperson, shipwright

Boat builders construct, repair and refit marine craft from small sailing boats to large sea-going vessels.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£42,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 47 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become 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.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, for example:

  • Boatbuilder
  • Maritime Mechanical Fitter
  • Maritime Electrical Fitter
  • 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

More Information

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.

More Information

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

V03084 - Advanced Apprentice Electrician

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: 1st Floor, Main Shipyard Offices, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria

V03084 - Advanced Apprentice Electrician

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: 1st Floor, Main Shipyard Offices, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria

Courses In England

Marine Engineering (Marine School)

  • Provider: TYNE COAST COLLEGE
  • Start date: 03 February 2025
  • Location: South Shields

Marine Engineering - Advanced Certificate

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 28 April 2026
  • Location: Fleetwood

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