Working Life

Boatbuilders work on all aspects of constructing, repairing, and restoring pleasure and small commercial boats. They study designs carefully and carry out work according to precise specifications. To do this, they use a wide range of materials, including wood, iron, steel, copper, aluminium, and glass-reinforced plastics (GRP). They may fit rudders, add masts and rigging, and install engines.

Inside the boat, boatbuilders work on furnishings, using woodworking skills to create joints at straight or angled cuts, and may select and match different types of wood. They also work with cloth and other materials to complete internal fittings.

Boatbuilders often carry out electrical, plumbing, and welding tasks as well. In smaller companies, they may be involved in every stage of a project, while in larger companies they may specialise in a particular area. Some boatbuilders also contribute to the design process.

Roles and Tasks

• Design boats - Create plans for new vessels
• Build boats - Build boats from wood, fibreglass, metal, or composite materials
• Repair boats - Fix damage, leaks, or structural issues
• Maintain boats - Keep boats safe and seaworthy
• Install equipment - Install engines, electronics, and safety gear
• Finish and protect boats - Painting, varnishing, and coating
• Use skills and technology - Combine traditional craft with modern tools (e.g., CAD and 3D modelling)
• Test and check safety - Ensure boats meet safety regulations
• Train others - Teach apprentices/trainees traditional and modern boatbuilding skills
• Work with clients - Customise boats to meet client needs
• Collaborate with agencies - Work with BIM and other authorities for compliance, grants, and support. 

Skills that may benefit the role of boatbuilder

• Technical and Mechanical 
• Attention to detail 
• Problem-solving 
• Teamwork 

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Boatbuilding training can come from formal courses or community‑based and heritage projects. For young people who prefer craft work to academic study, these paths offer real-world experience and skills.

Traditional craft schools, community programmes, and maritime colleges combine foundational skills with specialised boatbuilding training, providing the most practical route into the industry.

The Ilen School offers practical training in building and restoring wooden boats. Meitheal Mara provides QQI-accredited courses in boat building, maintenance, and woodworking. The Galway School of Boat Building teaches small craft construction and related skills. Wider maritime programmes at the National Maritime College of Ireland and BIM's National Fisheries College include marine engineering and vessel maintenance, which support careers in boat construction and repair. Hands-on workshop experience is essential, and qualifications such as QQI awards can improve job prospects in the industry. 

Many boat-building skills overlap with marine-engineering maintenance, which is useful when working on fishing or commercial vessels. Builders who understand metalwork, fittings, marine-grade materials, and safety regulations can often move between leisure craft and working boats.

Kerry College     runs a full-time course in Marine Engineering with a significant focus on the servicing and maintenance of commercial fishing boats.

Search our PLC CourseFinder for more courses that support boatbuilding skills. 

General and specialised pathways:

• Carpentry and Joinery - essential for wooden hulls and components.
• Engineering - mechanical or marine skills for propulsion systems and structural work.
• Metal Fabrication / Welding - for steel or aluminium boats and repairs.
• Marine Maintenance/Nautical Studies - engines, electrical systems, and vessel upkeep.
• Traineeships - hands-on experience in boatyards or shipyards.
• Artisan/Craft Courses - woodworking, finishing, and design skills for detailed craftsmanship.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)     offers training and QQI courses that are highly valued in boatyards and the wider marine industry.  

The following courses may be useful for careers in boat building:
• Fishing Vessel Engineer (QQI Level 5)
• Marine Engineering Processes and Operations (QQI Leve 5)
• General Engineering Science 1&2
• Navigation and Marine Operations Modules
• Safety Training and Sea Survival
• Navigational Control (Fishing)
• Deckhand

View BIM's training programmes for more details and the full list of programmes available.     

Key Skills Certificates: 

• Manual Handling    
• Working at Height    
• SafePass    
• Welding     (Mig & Tig).

See the HSA for specific health and safety requirements     for each sector of the marine industry.  

Search our FET CourseFinder for more training programmes in Further Education and Training colleges. 

Trades skills & tools use, working with metal, composite, and timber materials will assist your skills development. 

Skills and qualifications for this trade can be be developed via Further Education and Training courses.
These key skills certificates are available to search via search our FET CourseFinder    

Leaving Certificate subjects that may benefit the role of boatbuilder 

• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Technology
• Physics
• Construction
• Art

Entry and Training Timeline

Training can be on-the-job working under the supervision of skilled trades people. 

*This timeline is for illustrative purposes only and may vary depending on experience and training.

Start Your Journey
Roles: Yard assistant, trainee boatbuilder, joiner's assistant, laminator trainee
Time: 0-3 years
Qualifications: Leaving Certificate or equivalent, QQI Levels 3-5 in woodcraft or construction, community boatbuilding programmes (Meitheal Mara / Ilen School), BIM safety or marine skills training, basic workshop experience

Grow Your Expertise
Roles: Boatbuilder, composite laminator, marine joiner, restoration technician, junior project lead
Time: 3-8 years
Qualifications: Advanced QQI craft modules, specialised training in composites, woodworking, marine systems skills, supervisory experience, knowledge of vessel construction standards.

Advance to Senior Roles
Roles: Senior boatbuilder, yard supervisor, traditional-craft specialist, marine technician, independent boatbuilder, survey-prep technician
Time: 8+years
Qualifications: Extensive workshop experience, advanced craft certifications, leadership skills, regulatory knowledge, training in project and client management.

Career Pathways and Opportunities

Boatbuilding in Ireland offers a practical, hands-on career with clear routes for progression. Most people begin in entry-level roles where they learn wooden-boat construction, basic repairs, and workshop skills. As their abilities grow, they typically progress to working as qualified boatbuilders and, with further experience, move into lead builder or project manager positions.

There are also opportunities to specialise. Additional training in areas such as composites, marine systems, rigging, or traditional restoration allows individuals to focus on either modern or classic boat construction. Experienced boatbuilders may also transition into inspection or safety roles with the Marine Survey Office.

The industry provides long-term employment in boatyards and coastal workshops, and some people choose to establish their own small boatbuilding or repair businesses. Boatbuilders play an important role in supporting the wider marine economy, particularly fishing and aquaculture, by ensuring vessels remain safe and reliable.

This career is well suited to people who enjoy practical, hands-on work, follow safety procedures, and are comfortable working on a variety of boat types.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €45k

Salaries vary by employer, location, self employ/ employee, duties, role, and experience.

Data Source(s):
GigExchange/Salary Expert

Last Updated: December, 2025

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Glass and ceramics process operatives, Textile process operatives, Rubber process operatives, Plastics process operatives, Metal making and treating process operatives, Electroplaters, Process operatives n.e.c., Industrial cleaning process occupations, Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers, Elementary process plant occupations n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Employment in this occupation fell in the early part of the five-year period, but increased annually since 2022, with employment in 2024 exceeding 2019 levels for the first time over the period. A third of those employed were non-Irish citizens, exceeding the national average.

Posts notified through DSP Jobs Ireland were primarily for general operatives but also included concrete finishers/moulders and galvanisers.

A small number of employment permits were issued (for roles including galvanisers) with difficult-to-fill mentions in the Recruitment Agency Survey for general/packaging operatives with general operatives in construction and manufacturing highlighted in the Skills for Growth data.

Issues with recruitment relate, at least to some extent, to the perceived attractiveness of the job (e.g. shift work).

• Irish Martimtime Development Office

  • Three Park Place Upper Hatch Street Dublin 2 D02 FX65
  • 01 775 39 00
  • [email protected]
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• Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)

  • Crofton House, Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
  • (01) 214 4100
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• Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

  • Head Office, 44 Kildare St, Dublin 2
  • LoCall 0761 001 601 (+ 353 1 670 7444 outside Ireland)
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Health and Safety Authority

  • The Metropolitan Building, James Joyce St. Dublin 1
  • 1890 289 389
  • [email protected]
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• Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

  • Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 607 2000 Lo Call 1890 200 510
  • [email protected]
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• International Boatbuilding Training College

  • Sea Lake Road, Oulton Broad, Lowesoft, Suffolk NR32 3LQ, UK
  • + 44 1502 569 663
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here