Job Description

Boat builders build and repair marine vessels from smaller pleasure or fishing crafts to larger commercial vessels, this could be in a factory, workshop, boat yard or marina, it is an extremely skilled job, often involving the traditional methods of wood carving and treatments.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

College

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:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

International Boatbuilding Training College is in Lowestoft that has full and part time courses.

Apprenticeship

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 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

Direct application

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.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a boat builder from The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and British Marine.

Career Path and Progression

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.

Related careers you may be interested in:

• Engineering maintenance technician
• Carpenter
• Welder
• Marine engineer
• Marine engineering technician

Required Skills

• You will need to enjoy manual tasks,
• Good technical abilities
• An organised and methodical approach
• The ability to multi task
• Comfortable working at heights
• A reasonable level of fitness
• Good communication skills

Salary Range

£16,000 to £35,000