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Boat Building Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PIPE FITTER JOURNEYMAN NBB

Freeland, WA · On-site

$33.90 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) has been building boats on beautiful Whidbey Island since ... Share your knowledge in the trade with other employees, especially those in learning or apprentice ...

SHIPFITTER JOURNEYMAN NBB

Freeland, WA · On-site

$33.90 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

NBBB has been building boats on beautiful Whidbey Island since 1964. We are in Freeland, WA where ... Apprenticeship Programs Equal Employment Opportunity: Nichols Bros. Boat Builders is an Equal ...

ELECTRICIAN JOURNEYMAN NBB

Freeland, WA · On-site

$33.90 - $35.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders has been building boats on beautiful Whidbey Island since 1964. We ... Culture of Learning with State-Certified Apprenticeship Programs Equal Employment Opportunity:

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Boat Building Apprentice information

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$12

$22

$37

How much do boat building apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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 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 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 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 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.

How much money can you make building boats?

Boat building apprentices typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employer. As they gain skills and certifications, their wages can increase, and experienced boat builders can earn higher salaries or wages in specialized or supervisory roles.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Boat Building jobs?

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Infographic showing various Boat Building Apprentice job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,806 per year, or $22 per hour.

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


General Dynamics Electric Boat rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 164 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Overview
There's never been a more exciting time to join the shipbuilding industry. As demand for advanced naval technology continues to grow, General Dynamics Electric Boat remains at the forefront of designing, building, and supporting the most advanced submarines in the world. Our work is mission-critical. Every employee plays a direct role in supporting the United States Navy and strengthening national security. We are guided by our core values of valuing each other, behaving with integrity and purpose, and committing ourselves to excellence.
Why Work for Electric Boat?
Electric Boat offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and career growth. Benefits Include:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Prescription Coverage
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • Commuter/Van Services
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • Paid Training
  • Shift Differential for 2nd and 3rd Shift
  • Career Advancement Opportunities

Learn more at ebcareers.com
As Electric Boat continues to support construction of the VIRGINIA Class and COLUMBIA submarine programs, our Quality Organization plays a critical role in ensuring every component meets the highest standards of safety, performance, and reliability.
Quality Inspectors perform inspection duties throughout the facility, which include verifying attributes for welds, structures and components.Candidates will be trained in Quality Control systems, Electric Boat procedures applicable to the work they are performing and Quality Department Instructions.
All successful candidates will be required to maintain an MT or PT certification. Further opportunities for inspection disciplines such as UT, Pre-Test, Electrical, Mechanical, etc. may be made available once proficiency has been achieved.
Successful candidates will embody the Electric Boats Core Values, work safely, be responsible for themselves, their peers, the ship and crew who will operate our vessel. This position requires inspectors who perform with integrity and purpose. Our sailors and their families deserve excellence in our workmanship and first-time quality. We are the last line of defense for the integrity of our product.
This position is located at the Quonset Point facility in North Kingstown, RI.
Qualifications
Required:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent OR 2 plus years of related technical experience.
  • Certified Level II in at least MT or PT in accordance with ASNT SNT-TC-1A/ NAS-410/ EN-4179/NSTR-99 or equivalent.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain EB MT and/or PT certification within the 1st month of employment.
  • Ability to grind joints and clear indications as needed throughout inspection process.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, shipyard procedures, test documents, blueprints and diagrams.
  • Basic mathematical skills.
  • Ability to work at heights, tightly confined spaces and in extreme weather conditions.
  • Accurate documentation, record keeping and archiving along with verifying previous status of work for completion is a critical job function.
  • Possess your own basic hand tools.
  • Must be able to work all shifts, extended week days and weekends as required.

Preferred:
  • Inspection/quality assurance experience.
  • Mechanical and Electrical experience.
  • Pipe hanger installation experience.
  • Structural experience.
  • NACE Certified.
  • Metal fabrication experience.
  • Military shipbuilding experience.
  • Completion of Vocational, Technical, Community College or Apprentice programs
  • Knowledge of shipboard assemblies, installations, components and structures.
  • Related military/Navy experience.
  • Familiarity with Military specifications (T9074-AS-GIB-010/271 and NAVSEA 250-1500-1).

Skills
  • Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards.
  • Effective note-taking and documentation skills.
  • Adaptability to switch from one job to another as business needs dictate.
  • Strong foundational mathematical skills.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a collaborative and team environment to meet organizational goals.
  • Positive, self-motivated attitude with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.

Physical Qualifications
Climbing, Color Vision, Crawling, Kneeling, Light Lifting, Medium Lifting, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Stooping, Twisting
Environmental Attributes
Acids or Alkalis, Cold, Dry, Dusty, Fumes, Hot, Inside, Noise, Oily, Wet

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