Have you ever thought about working near the water? Perhaps the question “are there any boatyard jobs near me?” has entered your mind at some point. If so, then this apprenticeship as a marina and boatyard operative will be perfect for you.
What will a role by the boatyard involve?
Marinas and boatyards are used to support the yachting and boating sectors. The operatives who work within them deliver a number of operations with the goal of keeping equipment and boats ready to be used at all times. The revenue generated from marinas and associated activities totals roughly £222 million per year!
This job will have you delivering on a variety of operations and services such as vessel handling and storage, whilst complying with relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice and other guidelines. You’ll need to utilise strong team working skills to complete larger tasks such as boat lifting, and work on your own initiative. You’ll be completing regular maintenance and checks around the marina/boatyard. You will also be expected to also work outside of typical work hours to get the job done.
What do I need to succeed?
There are a number of skills you will need to thrive in this work environment, including:
- Safety and environmental awareness – Embracing a safety culture and acting in a way that keeps your colleagues and property from coming to any harm, while promoting a sustainable working culture and following guidelines.
- Great customer service – You should look to provide outstanding service to all customers.
- Independent working and logical decision making – You should take full responsibility for your own work as well as situations where necessary while giving clear instructions to your colleagues.
- Personal commitment and a strong work ethic – You should always be looking to achieve the best results possible and ensure all your work is up to the highest standard of quality.
- Strong team-working skills – You should be able to communicate with your colleagues effectively and help to keep everyone motivated/driven.
- Great time management – You must be able to complete work on a schedule and use your own time effectively.
Above all, a hunger to learn and gain new skills will make you a great candidate. Always be eager to develop your knowledge and skills. If you think these traits apply to you and you have at least 2 GCSEs, consider looking into the role!
What will I learn during my apprenticeship?
During your apprenticeship, you will develop your specialist knowledge. This includes core knowledge such as the regulations that you will need to follow, the hazards you will encounter and all the procedures for preparing vessels for cleaning and maintenance. In addition to the job-centric knowledge that you will learn, you will also come to be able to discuss the industry as a whole and how marinas and boatyards support tourism, production and employment.
In addition to these skills, you will be required to take one out of four extra options, which are Fuel & Pump out, Rigging, Chandlery & Retail or Lock and Bridge Operation. Once you have reached the end of your apprenticeship you will take an end point assessment. This will happen roughly 18 to 24 months after you begin depending on your experience at entry.
Conclusion
This apprenticeship is a great opportunity for those that enjoy more physical tasks working around the boatyard environment and are eager to start a career that allows them to work as a team to accomplish a common goal. Not only will you be gaining valuable hard and soft skills that you will carry with you for the rest of your life, but you’ll also meet some great people.
If this is the type of apprenticeship for you, then take a look at some more physically oriented roles below ⬇️
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