Boat Builders Education and Training
Learn more about boat construction through educational opportunities
Boat manufacturers are always looking for skilled craftsmen who are trained in boat building. Custom boat builders must start their career by attending college courses and workshops to learn how to construct wood, fiberglass and aluminum boats. Education for fishing boat builders is available through short courses and certification programs, most of which provide hands-on experience.You can find boat builders education and training through community colleges, organizations for boat builders and employee training offered by manufacturers. Some types of courses include:
1. Courses that offer boat builders training.
2. Short workshops that teach specialized skills.
3. Continuing education courses that can teach you advanced boat building concepts.
Learn how to build boats through schools or boat building companies
Many basic boat build classes are offered by boat manufacturers and also through community colleges. If you take courses through a community college, you can earn certification in boat building or design. You can usually complete a certification course in 18 months to two years. Most programs teach you to build multiple types and styles of boats.
Try: Bates Technical College offers a 19 month Associate's of Technology degree and an 11 month certificate in boat building design and construction. It also offers short courses that target specific skills, including fiberglass, wood and composite boat building. Cape Fear Community College has a certificate program for boat building that covers building, mold making and repair.
Participate in apprenticeship programs for commercial boat builders
An apprenticeship is another way for boat builders to gather hands-on training in their craft. Apprenticeships can last anywhere from one to three years and differ from internships because you are put directly to work with a company. Apprenticeships are also more likely to turn into a permanent job with the same company, unlike most internships.
Try: Atlantic Challenge offers a two-year apprenticeship program that teaches trainees to build traditional boat designs. Apprentices will have the opportunity to build two to four boats during the program. The East Hill Boat Shop provides an apprenticeship program for building and restoring wooden boat designs.
Take continuing education courses for aluminum, fiberglass and wooden boat builders
Boat builders who already work for a manufacturer or own their own business can benefit from continuing education courses. These courses cover many advanced topics in design, power systems and specialty materials. They can also earn you continuing education credits toward additional certifications. You can find some online continuing education courses.
Try: The International Yacht Restoration School offers continuing education courses that provide on-site training for marine building and restoration. Westlawn also provides continuing education courses, many of which are focused on specific systems like design, fuel systems and materials.
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