KEY POINTS:
TRAINING PLACE
Certificate in Applied Technology (Boatbuilding) Level 4
Mt Albert Campus
Ph 09 815 2945
0800 10 95 10
2007 course fees: approximately $4350, plus tools, overalls, safety gear
Starting hourly rate: $12 - $13 per hour
Boat building is one of the most internationally acclaimed of New Zealand's trades. The year long Unitec Certificate in Applied Technology (Boatbuilding) offers a way of gaining entry into this industry.
Students develop a thorough introductory grounding in boat construction and composites, while collectively building two small craft.
The first semester introduces the basic skills required to build a core boat; usually a dinghy. Skills developed include AutoCAD and lofting, and learning to draw full size plans of hulls.
Semester two develops this further as the students collectively put their skills to work constructing a larger craft up to 7m in size. They also work on smaller boat components to develop their knowledge of composite construction, including resin types, plug and mould making, demoulding and laminates.
Applicants need a minimum of four years high school education and NCEA level one pass in at least two subjects or the equivalent. Special admission can be granted to other applicants that demonstrate they have the appropriate ability and work ethic.
Applicants must also have a minimum of eight NCEA English credits at level one or an IELTs academic band score of no less than 5.5 or the equivalent.
There are two intakes a year into the course, with up to 45 students per intake.
Students include school leavers wanting the skills to enter introductory boat building positions, international students with an interest in marine technology looking for a New Zealand trade and older Kiwis looking for a career change.
Students keep a portfolio outlining assessment and learning outcomes.
This certificate is endorsed by the Boating Industry Training Organisation.
THE GRADUATE
Paul Young
22 years old
Graduated November 2006
Production operator at High Modulus
I operate the machine that cuts customized fibreglass parts for kitsets for manufacturers. I really like working here because I am learning so much from the others. I started here about a year ago and became interested in boats when I came to New Zealand four years ago. I liked the look of them and wanted to know how to build them.
A friend suggested doing Unitec's course because it would be a way of learning and getting into the boat building industry.
The course was very helpful. We learned how to read marine drawings and a bit about design which makes it easy to do the work here because I understand what the kitsets will be used for and how they will be used.
The best part of the course was making a yacht. It was 5.3 metres and had special seating. I also enjoyed learning how to draw to the actual size of the boat. This is called lofting.
At a later stage, I want to go back and learn more about boat design, but not yet.
THE EMPLOYER
Nina Heatley
Business development manager
High Modulus
High Modulus make kitset design and material packages for boat manufacturers that include parts cut up and labelled, ready to go into moulds. Paul operates the machinery that produces these parts.
I employed Paul because he was enthusiastic and spoke well.
He also had a bit of a background in boat building, which I wanted, and I thought there was potential for him to grow with us.
We have a couple of tradesmen on the laboratory manufacturing side and I felt Paul could contribute a lot to production and later move into other areas of the company.
The course provides a background that has helped Paul understand the process and materials here at High Modulus.
Specifically, anyone can cut out shapes and stick them in a box but what we offer are shapes cut in a way that works for the manufacturers when they get to the shop floor because they fit properly. A sound understanding of the processes and application helps us ensure that things are done properly.
It is also important to have an understanding of the final product and needs of the client and be familiar with the machinery involved. I'm always chasing hard for people interested in boat building, keen for a challenge and enthusiastic about tackling and solving problems.
Having seen some of the documentation and things they do, I definitely think it is a valuable course that teaches the basic key skills and approaches needed to enter boat building trades.
