Boat builder
Repair boats and ships to keep them safe and seaworthy. Build new vessels such as small yachts and dinghies or huge ocean-going tankers.
Also known as: shipbuilder, marine craftsperson
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£308
Entry level
£673
Experienced
Monthly
£1,333
Entry level
£2,917
Experienced
Yearly
£16,000
Entry level
£35,000
Experienced
1,300
people are currently employed
Low growth
No change in number of jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You'd do repairs and maintenance on boats and ships to keep them safe and seaworthy. You’d work on re-fitting and converting vessels. You could also be involved in building new boats and ships.
You could be involved in anything from building hulls for sea-going vessels to restoring the fixtures and fittings on traditional canal narrowboats. You’d learn traditional boatbuilding skills as well as modern engineering methods.
You'd use all sorts of skills, such as:
carpentry
electrical
plumbing
welding
painting
You’d also use more traditional maritime craft skills such as rigging and sail-making. You'd work with materials ranging from wood and steel plate, to glass- or fibre-reinforced plastics.
If you work on smaller marine craft, you'd:
mark out construction materials using engineering design templates
weld, cut and shape parts or sections
assemble boat sections and pipework
install engines
‘fit out' the vessel with furnishings, navigation and communications equipment, heating and lighting and, if required, rigging
In a dockyard or shipyard, you'd be more likely to work on larger ships, tankers, and oil and gas platforms for offshore sites.
Hours
Environment
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- time management
- managing resources
- implementing ideas
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- designing
- creative
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Skills for Work: Maritime Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You'd need an Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications in a Construction or Engineering Construction subject such as:
Carpentry & joinery
Electrical work
Plumbing
Welding (SVQ Level 2/3).
Some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF Level 4/5 to enter an apprenticeship. You'll have to pass an entrance test as part of the interview process.
Qualifications and experience that show understanding of the industry and craft skills such as:
Skills for Work Construction Crafts (SCQF Level 4/5)
Engineering Skills (SCFQ Level 4)
Maritime Skills (SCFQ Level 5)
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