how to become a boatbuilder

hello everyone, iv been visiting this site for a while and decided to become a member as i have a great interest in boat building. I wanted to know how all of you became metal boat fabricators and welders, did you get training, apprenticeships, or just experience working. I want to make a living building metal boats what path should i take im thinking about going to a community college for welding, iv only found a few boat building programs in the usa(where i am) but most seem to focus on would. Any advice and guidance would be greatly appreciated

thankyou

tom

 

That's a good start..

 

Many community or technical colleges will offer some sort of career placement or guidance, even if only informally. A friend who went through a local welding program here (Lake Washington Technical College) found work right out of school through one of his instructors.

You'd probably be best served in the advice department by going down and talking to someone at your local school.

 

...or welding shop, preferably one of the better ones, especially if they're

making boats! You might even get a part time job there while you're at school..

 

buy a welding textbook, buy a small welder,

 

I know of a couple of companies that are hiring right now for boat builder trades (Welders, stainless steal fitters, outfitters, ect...). They all will pay for schooling once you are employed if the schooling is even remotly associated with your job, or potential jobs with the company.

See:

Trinity Yachts
Avondale
Bollinger Shipyards, Inc.

 

thankyou for all the info

 

how is the westlawn??

 

Good choice for boatdesigners, but not for a builder.

 

thanks for correcting me.