Shipbuilder
Plan, assemble, construct and repair ships to make them safe and seaworthy. Build new vessels such as passenger ships, naval commissions or ocean-going tankers.
Also known as: boat builder, marine craftsperson
About the job
What it's like
Scotland has a rich history of shipbuilding and a strong presence in the industry today. As a shipbuilder you'll build new ships, or work on offshore platforms. You'll repair and maintain ships or work on re-fitting and converting vessels.
You’ll learn traditional shipbuilding skills as well as modern engineering methods.
As a shipbuilder your tasks can include:
marking out construction materials using engineering design templates
electrical and mechanical installation
pipefitting and plumbing
precision welding and metal fabrication
painting and coating with specialist products
project management and problem-solving
You might also use more traditional maritime craft skills such as rigging and sail-making. You'd work with materials ranging from wood and steel plate, to glass or fibre-reinforced plastics.
If you work as a boatbuilder – on smaller marine craft – you might:
construct and fit out the vessel, including carpentry and joinery
weld, cut and shape parts or sections
assemble boat sections and pipework
install engines
‘fit out' the vessel with furnishings, navigation and communications equipment, heating and lighting and, if required, rigging
Hours
You'll typically work Monday to Friday.
Urgent repair work may mean you have to work weekends or shifts, including nights.
Environment
Some shipbuilding work, such as designing, welding or fitting components, can be done under cover in large indoor sheds.
Other work, such as exterior painting, would be done outside.
You may sometimes work in tight spaces or at heights.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Aircraft maintenance engineer Rail engineering technician
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Tourism Engineering and manufacturing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- managing resources
- implementing ideas
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- designing
- creative
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Skills for Work: Maritime Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects could include:
Engineering Construction
Plumbing
Welding
Electrical Installation
Modern Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Discover MAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
It's good to have strong technical skills, although this is something you can develop in the job. If you have a keen eye for detail and you're a team player, that's a great start!
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Shipbuilder'
