Study Marine Craft Construction

Career Outcomes

Shipwright (399112)
Boat Repairer/Builder (399111)

Both of the above occupations are currently on Medium and Long-term Strategic Skill List (MLTSSL)

Industry Overview

Metals, Engineering and Boating is a diverse industry that employed 192,000 people in the machinery and equipment and 135,000 in the metal products sectors at August 2018. It includes people from the initial conceiving and designing phase of products, through to manufacture, assembly, installation, repair, packaging, and selling manufactured products.

The shipbuilding sector has experienced significant revenue growth and is projected to continue to grow over the next five years, driven by demand from the Department of Defence. The boatbuilding sector has been in decline in Australia over the past five years, however the projected decreased demand for ‘luxury’ vessels is predicted to be partially offset by increased demand for the repair of existing boats and for smaller, more affordable vessels. (National Industry Insights, 2020).

The number of people working as Boat Builders and Shipwrights (in their main job) grew very strongly over 5 years: from 5,100 in 2014 to 6,800 in 2019.

Insights

Average weekly earnings:  $1,602 per week

Mode of work: Most work full-time (87%)

Hours per week: full-time workers spend around 44 hours/ week at work.

Age: the average age is 41 years.

Gender: 2% workers are female

(Source: Joboutlook.gov.au)

Qualification Needed

Workers usually need a certificate III in marine craft construction to work as a Boat Builder or Shipwright. These courses are often completed as part of an apprenticeship.

Course Overview

Studies in marine craft construction will teach you how to perform engineering measurements, perform woodworking machine operations, interpret technical drawing, set up marine vessel structures, install marine systems and much more.

Only a limited number of institutions  provide this course.

Course Requirements

Most institutions require completion of an Australian Year 10 or 11 equivalent, as well as a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score less than 5.

Costs

A 2-year packaged trade course costs between $18,000 and $19,000 per year, depending on the institution. L

Career Outcomes

Shipwright
Boat Repairer/Builder