Boat Builder

Embark on a rewarding career as a Boat Builder.

Embark on a rewarding career as a Boat Builder, where your skills and creativity come together to craft a range of water vessels. From yachts to fishing boats, your work will turn designs into reality, creating reliable boats for the open sea. If you’re passionate about the ocean and hands-on work, this role offers a mix of traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques in an outdoor setting.

Boat Builders are the masterminds behind the creation of water vessels of all sizes and purposes. Your role encompasses every stage of the boat-building process, from interpreting design blueprints to material selection, construction, and final testing. You’ll work with a variety of materials including fibreglass, wood, metal, and advanced composites, applying both time-honoured techniques and cutting-edge technologies.

In this profession, you’ll be responsible for transforming concepts into reality, ensuring that each vessel meets the highest standards of safety, functionality, and aesthetics. Your work will involve a mix of precision craftsmanship, problem-solving, and attention to detail. Whether you’re constructing a luxury yacht, a commercial fishing boat, or restoring a classic vessel, your skills will be crucial in creating watercrafts that are both beautiful and seaworthy.

Your role may include duties as follows: 

  1. Analyse and optimise boat design blueprints
  2. Choose appropriate materials and prepare templates for fabrication
  3. Build boat components including hull, superstructure, mast, and decking
  4. Install electrical, propulsion, and navigation systems
  5. Conduct pre-launch tests and oversee launching procedures

While formal qualifications are not always mandatory to start in this field, many employers prefer candidates with relevant training or experience. Employers are often looking for job seekers to take on a formal apprenticeship. Here are steps you can take to become a Boating Services Technician:

  1. Complete high school with a focus on subjects like mathematics, engineering and marine science.
  2. Consider undertaking a Certificate II in Boating Services (MEM20322) for an introduction to boating industry skills or a Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (MEM20422) for an introduction to manufacturing and engineering.
  3. Research training and apprenticeships, including Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction (MEM30719).
  4. Look for opportunities promoted by employers online.
  5. Even if there are no jobs advertised but you have an interest in working with the employer, send through a letter and your resume expressing your interest to work in the industry
Also Known As:
  • Shipwright
  • Marine Fabricator
  • Marine Craft Constructor
A Quick Look
Key Skills:

Skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a boat builder include:

  • Measurement and mathematics
  • Problem solving
  • Spray painting skills
  • Tool operation skills
  • Welding
Values & Attributes:

Values and attributes of anyone considering a job as a boat builder include:

  • Precision
  • Patience
  • Collaborative
  • Team Player
  • Sea legs
  • Realistic – “Do-er”
Recommended School Subjects:
  • Engineering Skills
  • Marine Science
  • Science (7-10)
Core School Subjects:
  • Essential Mathematics
  • Essential English
  • Engineering

Salary Expectations

The expected salary for a Boat Builder can vary across different areas of manufacturing and may vary as you become more experienced.

Low
$55,000
Median
$70,000
High
$80,000

An apprenticeship with a manufacturer is the best pathway to gain employment in this role. You can undertake the following qualification as an apprenticeship:

  • Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction (MEM30719)

As an apprentice you will combine work with formal training, allowing you to gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific trade while earning a salary.

Duration: Apprenticeships typically last up to 4 years for full-time participants. Part-time apprenticeships may take longer, depending on the individual’s work schedule and training progress.

Work and study combination: As an apprentice you will work either full-time or part-time while receiving formal training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). School-based apprenticeships may be available.

Eligibility: Generally, apprenticeships do not require any formal qualifications to enter, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals, including if you are a school leaver or someone looking to change careers. There are minimum age requirements and there may be other eligibility criteria.

Completion: On completion you will receive a nationally recognised trade qualification, showcasing your skill and experience.

Skills, qualifications, accreditations and licences

 You may choose to pursue other training or certifications, licences and tickets. Qualifications and skills may be required to progress to supervisor or team leader positions.

For career advancement or specialisation:

  • Certificate IV in Boating Services (MEM40222)
  • Diploma of Marine Engineering (MAR60120)
  • Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering (Class 1) (MAR60220)

Holding a degree in manufacturing, human resources, finance, economics, marketing or management can be helpful if you are considering taking a step into leadership or a business ownership position.

Career progression

In this role, you may have the opportunity to progress to other positions. Career progression opportunities include:

Explore the general manufacturing and engineering

The general manufacturing and engineering industry is a diverse and dynamic area that forms the backbone of the country’s industrial capabilities. From precision components to large-scale machinery, this industry encompasses a wide range of activities that drive innovation, productivity, and economic growth across multiple sectors of the economy.

General manufacturing and engineering industry