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Boat Building Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Safe Harbor Marinas

Apprentice (Yard Hand)

Portsmouth, RI · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

SHM teammates are committed to thinking critically, providing outstanding service and building ... boat engines, hulls, propellers, rigging, masts, sails, and navigational equipment Assist ...

Master Boat Builders, Inc

First Class Joiner

AL · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description For over 40 years, Master Boat Builders, Inc. has built and ... vision of building quality boats for quality-minded individuals at an economic cost. We are a ...

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How much do boat building apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat building apprentice in the United States is $22.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Boat Building Apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Boat Building Apprentice, you need practical skills in woodworking, basic mechanical aptitude, and an understanding of marine construction principles, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with hand and power tools, blueprint reading, and safety protocols is vital in this role. Attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and strong teamwork abilities are essential soft skills for success. These competencies ensure precise craftsmanship, safe work practices, and effective collaboration on complex boat building projects.

What is a Boat Building Apprentice?

A Boat Building Apprentice is an individual who is learning the skills and techniques required to construct and repair boats under the supervision of experienced boat builders. Apprenticeships typically combine hands-on training with classroom instruction in areas such as woodworking, fiberglass work, marine engineering, and safety procedures. The goal is to develop practical experience and technical knowledge necessary to become a qualified boat builder. Apprenticeships can last several years, depending on the program and the complexity of the work involved. Successful completion often leads to certification or full-time employment in the marine industry.

What types of hands-on experience can I expect as a Boat Building Apprentice, and how will I work with more experienced craftsmen?

As a Boat Building Apprentice, you'll gain practical experience in tasks like woodworking, fiberglass layup, and assembling boat components under the guidance of seasoned boatbuilders. You'll often work alongside a small team, receiving direct mentorship and feedback while assisting with both traditional and modern construction techniques. This collaborative environment is designed to help you steadily develop your skills, understand safety protocols, and eventually take on more responsibility as you progress. Expect to rotate through different stages of the build process, which broadens your exposure and prepares you for advanced roles within the industry.

What is the difference between Boat Building Apprentice vs Boat Builder?

AspectBoat Building ApprenticeBoat Builder
CredentialsOften requires basic high school diploma; on-the-job trainingTypically has completed apprenticeship or vocational training
Work EnvironmentLearning environment, supervised, in boatyards or workshopsSkilled work, independent tasks, in boatyards or manufacturing facilities
Job RoleAssists with construction, learns techniques, performs basic tasksPerforms advanced construction, assembly, and finishing tasks

The main difference is that a Boat Building Apprentice is in training, gaining skills under supervision, while a Boat Builder is a skilled worker responsible for constructing boats independently. Apprentices develop their expertise to become fully qualified Boat Builders.

More about Boat Building Apprentice jobs
What cities are hiring for Boat Building Apprentice jobs? Cities with the most Boat Building Apprentice job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Boat Building jobs? The most popular types of Boat Building jobs are:
What states have the most Boat Building Apprentice jobs? States with the most job openings for Boat Building Apprentice jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Boat Building Apprentice jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Boat Building Apprentice jobs are:
Boat Building Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Building Apprentice job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,806 per year, or $22 per hour.

GENERAL INTEREST & TRADES APPRENTICE - NBB

Nichols Bros Boat Builders

Freeland, WA • On-site

$22 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Nichols Bros. Boat Builders (NBBB) has been building boats on beautiful Whidbey Island since 1964. We are located in Freeland, WA where we produce state-of-the-art vessels; tugs, ferries, fire boats, fishing vessels, barges, dinner boats, along with many other sophisticated ships. Just an hour away from the yard is the thriving Seattle metropolitan area. Together with our sister company Everett Ship Repair("ESR") and Shared Ice Services, we represent the heft and might of Ice Cap Holdings' presence in the maritime community of the Pacific Northwest.
We are seeking candidates to fill our many Apprentice and Electrician In-Training opportunities in the following trades: Marine Pipefitters, Marine Painters, Machinery Assemblers, Production Welders, Ship Fitter/Fabricators and Electricians.
NBBB's Apprenticeship program develops a sustainable core workforce of journeypersons with the full body of on-the-job and trade knowledge necessary to fill vital workforce gaps. Our Apprenticeships provide employment, education and training of technical skills under the guidance of experienced journeyman and technical experts. Our structured program provides thoughtful opportunities for each apprentice to learn all the phases of a selected craft. This is done by focused tracking of assignments and classroom instruction that enables the apprentice to learn and demonstrate competence in the various job assignments within the trade. Our classroom curriculum meets the rigorous requirements of State of Washington Department of Labor & Industries. These college level classes are generally held on site after or before the apprentice's regular paid work hours. Classroom hours are unpaid and, on the apprentice's, own time. A normal academic load is about three hours of classroom instruction per week. Apprentices are required to maintain minimum cumulative average of 80% and failure of any course will result in removal from the program. Homework is assigned in each class, and it is the responsibility of the apprentice to complete the assignments outside the normal workday.
What You will Do
Depending on the trade, apprentices (or pre-apprentices) will learn to build vessel structures, hull components, piping systems, machinery installations and alignments, and prepare surfaces for painting or structural welding. The exact functions and responsibilities will vary by trade,and cannot be enumerated for all trades in this posting. For illustration, however, Marine Pipefitters fabricate and install all the piping systems on the ship. Ship Fitter/ Fabricators fabricate and install the many pieces that make up the hull of the ship and install equipment foundations and miscellaneous structural pieces. Welders weld everything for the ships, including the hull, foundations on the ship, and miscellaneous items. The general description of each of our trades can be found on our web site. In addition to learning the trade, specific functions common to all apprenticeships include:
  • Responsible for safe work practices and housekeeping procedures.
  • Work as a member of a team demonstrating skills to adapt, interpret and problem solve.
  • Express ideas concisely and clearly, both orally and in writing.
  • Perform other tasks as directed.

Once admitted to apprenticeship, duties will also include:
  • Regular attendance during the classes & presentations.
  • Demonstrate competence in learning trade by way of performance on practical exams at each step of the apprenticeship and successful completion of the required classwork, including passing scores on required tests.
  • Recording and tracking on the job training ("OJT") hours daily.
  • Have a journeyman or above sign off on hours weekly.
  • Turn in a copy of their monthly hours tracking form to their supervisors.

What You Bring to Our Team
  • High School Diploma or Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED).
  • 18 years of age or older at time of application.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Must be able to work at heights of 60 ft. Must be able to enter confined spaces using and use respirator and work in small workspaces at odd angles.
  • Able to understand and perform basic mathematics
  • Knowledge of basic hand and power tools
  • Willingness to learn the trade and attend training as required
  • Experience using Safe Work Practices
  • Able to meet all requirements of our state-certified apprenticeship program, including ability to attend between 144 hours and 216 hours per year of classroom training (exact hours vary by trade) during non-regular work hours for which no hourly wage compensation is provided.
  • Experience working around Heavy Machinery and Equipment and as a member of a team.
  • Successfully completed a craft-related technical training program or have the equivalent craft work experience
  • Ability to communicate well with others and to take instructions and work as a member of a team.
  • Personal attributes NBBB looks for in a pre-apprentice or apprentice include:
  • An interest in the selected trade through work experience, personal project, interests, or hobbies
  • a commitment to self -development, and commitment to quality and attention to detail.
  • Able to provide proof of US Person Status
  • Willing to submit to a drug screen
  • Willing to submit to a background check
  • No felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Drug crimes or Violent crimes
  • Possess the academic ability to succeed in the program
  • Demonstrate the motivation to continuously improve your knowledge/skills
  • Have the integrity to complete all assigned academic work independently
  • Demonstrate a high degree of reliability, both in task accomplishment and time keeping

Benefits
  • Company funded commuter benefit for riders of the Washington State Ferry System
  • 401(k) and 401(k) matching
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Dental insurance
  • Group Life Insurance with Optional supplemental life and disability insurance programs
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Culture of Learning with State-Certified Apprenticeship Programs

Equal Employment Opportunity: Nichols Bros. Boat Builders is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, political affiliation, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability.
Nichols Bros. Boat Builders is a drug free workplace, and all applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug screen and a background check.

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