Naval architect
Design, build and repair vessels such as ships and boats, and offshore structures such as drilling platforms.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£481
Entry level
£1,250
Experienced
Monthly
£2,083
Entry level
£5,417
Experienced
Yearly
£25,000
Entry level
£65,000
Experienced
9,600
people are currently employed
High growth
200 more 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 would design, build and repair vessels such as ships and boats, and offshore structures such as drilling platforms.
You would:
Manage the work of engineering design teams
Make sure that designs are safe, functional and good value for money
Prepare design plans using computer software
Check and test plans using computers and 3D models
Organise production and repairs
You could specialise in a particular area, such as design, building and repair work, research and development, or consultancy.
You could also work for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency as a ship surveyor. You would then check the safety of ships and marine structures.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing
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:
- delegating
- coaching
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- working with technology
- cooperating
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:
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Mathematics
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Maritime Skills
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
Applications of Mathematics
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 would need:
a Marine Engineering Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7)
or a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8)
or a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (SCQF level 9/10)
or an Engineering or Physics degree and Marine Engineering postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11)
Course must be recognised by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA).
You can enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Entry to a degree (SCFQ level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and Highers at AAAB, Advanced Highers may be asked for, or a relevant HNC/HND.
Qualifications and experience that show understanding of the navy, engineering, structural design and building such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCFQ level 4) or Maritime Skills (SCFQ level 5) could be useful when applying to courses.
After completing your initial training you would follow a RINA-accredited scheme of work-based professional development. You would then complete a minimum of two years work experience before applying to the Engineering Council for incorporated or chartered engineer status and full membership of RINA.
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