"The program encompasses theory, practical knowledge, and techniques essential to maintain and repair modern inboard/outboard marine, motorcycle, and other power equipment. Hands-on training with customer products is emphasized."
Do you wonder if a career working in marine building and repair is for you?
If most of these statements apply then you could enjoy a job in marine trades.
- I like to work with my hands.
- I have a knack for putting things together and fixing things that are broken.
- I am good at following instructions and staying focused.
- I like to be around boats and the water.
Uu-a-thluk
taking care of
What’s It All About?
Workers in marine trades may work in the boat building or shipbuilding industries. However, because most of the shipyards are located outside Nuu-chah-nulth territory, many marine trades people employed on the west coast of Vancouver Island work for small businesses building and repairing recreational and small commercial boats. Some fix engines, electrical, and mechanical equipment.
Others work with fiberglass, aluminum, and wood to build and repair hulls. In general, people who work in the boat building industry do many tasks. Those who work in the shipbuilding industry are typically specialists who choose one area like welding, rigging, or marine painting. They tend to work for larger corporations building and repairing freighters and ships.
What Do You Need?
Most trades people employed in marine trades graduate from high school before going on to complete their trade certification. Trade certification usually takes two to four years of course work combined with on-the-job training.
Marine repair technicians go to school for about two years before spending two to six years learning their specialty (e.g. refinishing, composites, installations technologies or sailing vessel rigging) on the job.
Marine painters usually earn a high school diploma, followed by a first aid and a forklift operator’s certificate.
What Can you Earn?
Marine mechanical technicians earn between $38,584 and $92,517 calculated annually
(between $18.50 and $44.36 per hour).
Marine repair technicians earn between $35,000 and $50,000 calculated per year.
Specialists like electricians, machinists, welders, and riggers earn between $47,447 and $84,000 calculated annually.
Sample Employers
- Boatyards
- Marinas
- Pleasure boat manufacturers
- Shipyards
Sample Jobs
Boatbuilding Industry
- Marine Mechanical
- Technicians
- Marine Repair Technician
Shipbuilding Industry
- Marine Painters
- Welders
- Marine Electrician
Nuu-chah-nulth-aht have always been boat builders. The Nuu-chah-nulth word for this activity is ?’aapacii?, meaning “to make a canoe.”
Marine Engineering Technician, Mechanical in British Columbia. (2022, April 8). Government of Canada Job Bank. Retrieved May 8, 2022, from https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/3231/BC
Rigger, Ship in British Columbia. (2022, April 8). Government of Canada Job Bank. Retrieved May 8, 2022, from
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/14682/BC
Welder in British Columbia. (2022, April 8). Government of Canada Job Bank. Retrieved May 8, 2022, from https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/23242/BC
Electrician in British Columbia. (2022, April 8). Government of Canada Job Bank. Retrieved May 8, 2022, from
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/20684/BC
Machinist in British Columbia. (2022, April 8). Government of Canada Job Bank. Retrieved May 8, 2022, from https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/16852/BC
