Boatbuilder

OFO No: 684907

Other names for Boat Builder:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – All About Being a Boat Builder

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Boat Builder?

A Boat Builder is also known as a Shipwright. 

They construct sea-worthy floating vessels like boats and ships, which include, for example, yachts, sailboats, schooners, cruise liners etc.

They work in a shipyard.  Some Boat Builders may also design boats. 

Boat Builders may work in a factory where only a few designs of boats are built, while others work for a company that does custom-built work.  In rare cases, they are self-employed.

Most Boat Builders use wood, metal or fibreglass.

What does a Boat Builder do?

• meets with clients and or design team to discuss requirements
• works off boat designer’s plans
• motivates the building team/staff
• measures, makes and fits boat pieces together
• constantly checks quality control and sea-worthiness
• orders parts where necessary
• designs boats when required
• sells boats
• markets and finds new customers
• maintains office administration and bookkeeping

Are you … ?

• interested in boats and boat building?
• good with your hands?
• a person who takes pride in their work?
• able to read plans?
• a person with basic mathematical skills?
• can you read?
• neat and tidy?
• a team player?
• meticulous?
• a person who can work in 3-D?
• a person who can cope with stress and deadlines?
• knowledge of maths, physics and chemistry?

How do I become a Boat Builder?

• WHISPER BOAT BUILDING ACADEMY FOR THE DEAF:  (Cape Town)

Offers an accredited 6 months Laminating Training Program

• FALSE BAY COLLEGE:  (Westlake Campus)

3 year – National Certificate in Small Craft Production, accredited with Merseta  

Minimum requirements:  Grade 9 or equivalent (NQF Level 10)

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership – Yatch and Boat Building Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• Artisan Internship
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
• If you have already been working a long time as a Boatbuilder without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
• Trade Test

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Boat Skipper … or … 2nd Engineering Officer … or … Fitter and Turner

Is becoming a Boatbuilder the right career choice for me?