You could take a college course to learn some of the skills you would need as a trainee, or to join an apprenticeship.

Courses include:

• boat building
• marine engineering
• marine electrical engineering
• T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
• T level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, for example:

• Boatbuilder
• Maritime Mechanical Fitter
• Maritime Electrical Fitter
• Maritime Pipeworker
• Marine Engineer

These can take between 3 and 4 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You can apply directly if you've got relevant skills. Qualifications and experience in joinery, electrics, engineering, welding or plumbing can help.

You may be able to take a course with a commercial boat building training provider. Training can range from short courses in marine electrics and joinery, through to full boat building programmes, lasting several months.

You'll need:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• design skills and knowledge
• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to learn through your work
• excellent verbal communication skills
• persistence and determination
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As a boat builder, you could:

• plan out work in line with design instructions
• create decks and hulls from fibreglass and laminates
• make and assemble wooden furniture and fittings
• join boat sections using welding equipment or resins
• service and repair engines
• refit vessels, for example with new electrics or plumbing
• install navigation and communications equipment
• apply finishes using varnishes and paints
• carry out safety and quality checks

You could work in a workshop, at a marina or at a shipyard.

Your working environment may be physically demanding, at height and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.