Boatworks 101 Apprenticeship
A Marine Service Technician Education
Applications for 2024-2025 have now closed.
Please email education@spauldingcenter.org to receive updates on the next application period in Spring 2025.
About the Program
Boatworks 101 is…
A 12-month, paid apprenticeship program in the marine service industry
An opportunity for anyone 18+ to learn marine trades and craftmanship skills
No boating experience necessary
ABYC registered curriculum and professional instructors
State & nationally registered program
In August 2021, Spaulding Marine Center launched Boatworks 101, an innovative, first-of-its-kind apprenticeship program that trains the next generation of marine industry craftspeople. The Boatworks 101 training program improves the quality of employment options for young people by offering paid apprenticeship training in a high-need industry in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. It also aims to diversify the marine service industry by recruiting and supporting candidates of color, women, and other underrepresented populations. Successful completion of Boatworks 101 leads to full-time employment as entry-level marine service technicians and the opportunity to further specialize within the field.
Months 1 - 9
Apprentices spend the first nine months of the program at the Spaulding Marine Center, learning the fundamentals the marine service trade. To begin, an apprentice can expect to learn the general duties of a yard hand, including hauling boats, maintaining a yard, sanding, prepping and painting bottoms, and proper safety practices.
After learning the basics, apprentices will dive into technical work. Our curriculum utilizes the ABYC educational programming, and covers Marine Electrical Systems, Diesel Engines, Plumbing Systems, and more.
Apprentices will concurrently be exposed to a variety of jobs in our full-service boatyard. Alongside our technicians, they will practice the skills learned during workshop style lessons.
Months 9 - 12
During the final 3 months of the program, apprentices are placed with one of our industry partners that aligns with their skills and interests. This provides an opportunity to focus on a specific discipline, as well as build professional connections in the industry. Placements often result in full-time job offers.
Our current partners include boatyards throughout the Bay Area, marine electricians, diesel mechanics, sailboat riggers, outboard servicers, canvas shops, and sailmakers.
Why become an apprentice?
Apprenticing is a proven method for training highly skilled, highly paid professionals driven directly by industry needs and input. From day one, apprentices are building on-the-job experience through direct mentorship.
Spaulding Marine Center supports apprentices with:
A set of hand and power tools
Textbooks, learning materials, access to online resources
Exclusive tours of Bay Area maritime companies
Lessons and workshops taught by industry experts
College credit through Las Positas Community College and access to student services
Waterfront working location every day
Access to our fleet of sailing and power vessels
FAQ
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Apprentices earn $20/hr during the first 6 months, and $22/hr afterward.
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Apprentices work full time, Monday-Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm.
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Yes! Prior experience with tools is welcomed but not required.
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18+ at the start of the program
Have access to a reliable form of transportation to and from the Spaulding Marine Center even in inclement weather
Ambition, perseverance, and initiative
Be physically able to operate heavy machinery, stand for extended periods of time, lift 50+ pounds overhead
Ability to work independently and in teams with and without supervision
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Industry placements often result in full-time job offer. Apprentices will be provided job placement assistance if needed.
Don’t see your question? Reach out here.
A Boatworks 101 graduate shares how the program shaped his future.
Rashad is a 2021-2022 Spaulding Boatworks 101 Graduate. Rashad was placed at Bayside Baotworks in Sausalito, a Boatworks 101 industry partner, and has been happily employed since fall of 2022. He highlights some of the coursework and exposure he gained in the program as an apprentice, his love for his current job, and how the program sets up participants for success.
Thank you to the Sausalito Working Water Front Coalition (SWWC) for conducting and sharing this interview as part of their Working Waterfront Interview series. The interview is from May 2024.
Thank you to our Industry Partners
Several Bay Area organizations are playing a key role in supporting young, skilled individuals to enter the maritime industry. Through various commitments, such as hands-on workshops, training programs, and group tours, they are helping to cultivate a pool of talented marine technicians and offer job prospects for apprentices. These collaborative efforts are crucial investments in nurturing the next generation of marine service technicians. For organizations in the Bay Area maritime sector looking to collaborate with our Boatworks 101 Apprenticeship Program, please reach out to education@spauldingcenter.org. Thank you for your support.
