Certificate in Composite Boatbuilding

By MARK STORY


THE COURSE

The NZQA-recognised certificate in composite boatbuilding (level two) introduces students to the core knowledge and skills required in the industry.

Located by the waterfront, within a 1km radius of six major boatbuilders, the Northland Polytechnic offers a unique environment for studying composite boatbuilding.

During the 34-week programme students learn about custom and production boatbuilding; power tools and machinery; drawing and scale; boat framework; the marine environment; the marine industry; labour and production costings.

After completing their certificate in composite boatbuilding, students become apprenticed to a boatbuilder where they complete the rest of their national certificate.

With New Zealand-trained boatbuilders highly sought around the world, tutor Glenn Maconaghie says graduates have opportunities well beyond manufacturing.

Most will progress from specialist craftsperson to building supervisor or project manager. But after the boatbuilding course, Maconaghie says graduates also have knowledge relevant to roles in the retail or brokerage sides of the industry.

The course is also structured so that students can transfer from production or custom boatbuilding to marine cabinetmaking.

To be eligible for general admission, students must have a minimum of three years' secondary education. They also need an acceptable level of English language fluency, either through successful study in English or approved scores on TOEFL or IELTS tests or accepted international equivalents.

Students are expected to alternate their weekly classes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am through to 4.30pm with two days' workplace experience (organised by the Northland Polytechnic).

Several sponsorships are available each year. As well as having their fees partly paid, sponsorship students receive work experience and enhance their chances of fulltime employment on graduation.

Students sit written tests on theory and their practical assignments on numerous projects are assessed against established industry standards.

There are two intakes annually for a maximum 20 places (for each intake) on the Certificate in Composite Boat Building.

Applications for the course beginning next February 9 (which costs $4700) can be made right up until the start date.

WHAT PAST STUDENTS THINK

James Abbott, 19

Apprentice boatbuilder

Austral Yachts

Whangarei

Graduated 2003

"Having been sailing since I was 4, I always wanted to do something within the marine industry.

"Being able to study alongside a diverse range of fellow students, including some mature students, meant we also learnt from each others' boating experience.

"The two days' work experience gave me a good opportunity to put into practice all aspects of the course, from vacuum bagging through to laminating. I enjoyed all course content, but the woodworking element was the most appealing to me.

"During the course I was involved in building six boats, from kayaks through to a 6m wooden (glass over ply) powerboat.

"Based on my work experience with Austral Yachts, I became the first student to be offered fulltime work as an apprentice boatbuilder direct from this course."

WHAT EMPLOYERS THINK

Craig Thompson, director

Austral Yachts

Whangarei

"Based on course content and the quality of tutoring, this is the best of the numerous boatbuilding courses we've been associated with over the past 10 years.

"The work that James is doing - rebuilds, repairs and maintenance and fine timber - parallels pretty closely the skills he's been developing on the course.

"It was his willingness to apply himself during part-time work experience that spurred us to take James on fulltime.

"The career path for apprentice boatbuilders like James is looking pretty good right now.

"Once they've completed their national certificate and progressed from leading hand to supervisor, most apprentices decide to work offshore before returning to New Zealand higher up the industry ladder."

Qualification Certificate in Composite Boatbuilding

Northland Polytechnic

Phone: (0800) 162 100