Today's boat builders combine centuries-old traditional skills with some of the most cutting-edge technologies of the future. It's an industry that's full of opportunity and you can be a part of it. As a boat builder you can use your skills in fields like math, drafting, electronics, woodworking and chemistry to build a lucrative and rewarding career.
You can also be involved in the exciting field of composite technology. Approximately 90% of Maine boat builders utilize composite technologies in their work today. Not only that, the skills you learn in composite technology are in high demand around the world. Today, composites are being used in the aerospace industry, in designing race cars, for body armor in the military, in surfboards and skateboards and in the building of houses that can withstand hurricane force winds.
To learn more about how you can learn the skills to be part of today's boat building industry, contact one of the organizations below. There's a world of opportunity waiting for you.
Level 4 jobs require experience and an engineering degree
- Composites Engineer
- Naval Architect
- Marine Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
Composites EngineerEngineers who design, develop, and test all aspects of composite components and sub-components and can prepare detail drawings for construction or assembly.
Naval Architect
Naval architects design barges, boats, and ships for their clients to be used in commercial, pleasure, military, or other applications in marine or fresh water applications.
Marine Engineer
Design and oversee testing, installation, and repair of marine products such as marine engines, equipment and structures in compliance with standards. They must be able to prepare detailed drawings and schematics
Electronics Engineer
Design and oversee testing, installation, and repair of marine electronics products in compliance with standards. They must be able to prepare detailed drawings and schematics.
Suggested High School Courses:
For all level 1-5 jobs it is suggested that you earn a high school diploma or GED that includes many of the following courses:
English/Language Arts Courses
All jobs require the ability to communicate with customers and co-workers through words and writing. Taking four years of English/Language Arts in high school will help give you necessary -writing and interpersonal skills needed to:
Learning how to work with tools and fix problems will help you in any marine or composite related positions. It can be beneficial to take any courses that involve the use hand tools and require reading and understanding of plans or blue prints. Examples of these classes are:
Taking algebra, geometry, and trigonometry in high school are important for any job. Math classes will help you develop strong problem-solving skills.
Taking Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in high school will also help you develop strong problem solving skills through the hands-on projects you will have to do in these courses. Science knowledge and skills become increasingly important if you want to move to higher level marine and composite jobs.
Principles of physics are predominant in the marine world where technicians must understand:
History, Social Studies, Economics Courses
Why these courses? History will help you better understand people from different backgrounds and cultures. You could be working with customers from all over the world and the better you understand the experiences of others through history, will give you the "life" skills required of any job. There and laws and regulations that govern the marine industry, so knowing how our government makes and enforces rules will help you too. If you ever want to move into a business role, understanding economics will help you a great deal.
For all level 1-5 jobs it is suggested that you earn a high school diploma or GED that includes many of the following courses:
English/Language Arts Courses
All jobs require the ability to communicate with customers and co-workers through words and writing. Taking four years of English/Language Arts in high school will help give you necessary -writing and interpersonal skills needed to:
- assist customers -written and verbally
- read instructions
- keep logs of daily work, fill out work orders
- estimating and sales
- managing other workers
Learning how to work with tools and fix problems will help you in any marine or composite related positions. It can be beneficial to take any courses that involve the use hand tools and require reading and understanding of plans or blue prints. Examples of these classes are:
- technical drawing
- drafting
- computer aided design
- automotive or marine mechanics
- electrical training
- basic carpentry and/or composites
- engineering
- machining and welding
Taking algebra, geometry, and trigonometry in high school are important for any job. Math classes will help you develop strong problem-solving skills.
- accurate measurements (lengths and widths of boats, materials needed for a job)
- how to mix chemicals in proper ratios
- creating orders or estimates
- computer skills for design work or job communications
- computer skills to research parts or service instructions
- reading blueprints or technical drawings
- converting measurements to metric
- understanding budgets and accounting basics
Taking Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in high school will also help you develop strong problem solving skills through the hands-on projects you will have to do in these courses. Science knowledge and skills become increasingly important if you want to move to higher level marine and composite jobs.
Principles of physics are predominant in the marine world where technicians must understand:
- buoyancy
- material strength
- effects of pressure and friction
- mechanical advantages of gears, blocks and winches
- electrical theory
- mechanical theory
- chemical/material corrosion
- floatation
History, Social Studies, Economics Courses
Why these courses? History will help you better understand people from different backgrounds and cultures. You could be working with customers from all over the world and the better you understand the experiences of others through history, will give you the "life" skills required of any job. There and laws and regulations that govern the marine industry, so knowing how our government makes and enforces rules will help you too. If you ever want to move into a business role, understanding economics will help you a great deal.
Further Education and Training
A bachelor's degree in engineering or related field is required
On-the-job training in specific field may take several years or equivalent of previous work-related experience. Specific industry certifications may be required.
A bachelor's degree in engineering or related field is required
On-the-job training in specific field may take several years or equivalent of previous work-related experience. Specific industry certifications may be required.
