Following the lead of New Zealand’s successful boatbuilding trade certification, Nova Scotia now certifies boatbuilding apprentices as serving in a legitimate trade. Twenty-one apprentices in 13 yards around the province currently are working toward their Boat Builder ticket.
Officially recognized by the Canadian province in July, the “competency based” certificate is earned over the course of 42 to 60 months with the practical application of boatbuilding skills in three areas: wood, composite and metal (aluminum or steel). The program is the only one of its kind in North America.
The trade follows the establishment of, and is sponsored by, the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association in 1998. See www.nsboats.com for information on more than 40 of the province’s boatyards.
