To become a boat builder you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a qualification in the area of boat building you wish to specialise in such as composite, wood, alloy or steel.

Qualifications can include national certificates in composite boat building, alloy boat building, marine systems engineering or marine cabinet making.

Boat building apprenticeships are part of the Modern Apprenticeship scheme, which are for people aged 16 to 21. For further information visit the Boating Industry Training Orgainisation (BITO) website.

Three years of secondary school education is preferred. Useful subjects include workshop technology (metalwork and woodwork), maths, science or technical drawing.

Many boat building skills are gained on the job.

Previous boating experience is of benefit for boat builders, while woodwork, electrical wiring, plumbing and other aspects of the building construction trade may also be useful.