The Boating Industry is growing in the Pacific Northwest!

Skilled technicians to service boats are in high demand; many tech jobs go unfilled because there are not enough technicians to fill these jobs. Add to the mix that many of the people in the boating industry are aging, and the demand is absolutely huge. With some of the world's largest boat builders and most successful boat dealers headquartered in Washington State, the need for qualified, skilled workers is high throughout the year.

It is estimated that 80% of the super-yachts in the United States are built in Northwest Washington. From military applications, custom kayak manufacturers, design firms, related services and value added businesses, marine manufacturing is a robust segment of the regional economy with tremendous growth potential. There are more yacht building yards between Vancouver, BC and Vancouver, WA than any other region of the world outside of northern Europe. Data from the US Census Bureau 2002 Economic Census show that the value of shipments for inboard boat and ship manufacturing rose from $74 million in 1997 to $118 million in 2002; and the value of outboard boat building activity rose from $26 million annually to $37 million. These two examples include pleasure, commercial and military craft.

This exciting statistic translates into tremendous career opportunities in our region. Jobs in Marine Technology include marine mechanics; fiberglass laminators and fabricators; marine carpenters; aluminum welders, fitters; transportation equipment painters; electricians; team assemblers; plumbers, and pipefitters. All these positions were identified as difficult to fill in a NW Boat Builders Survey conducted in October 2003. The emerging high demand for aluminum boats has now added the aluminum welding/fitting specialty to this high demand list.

RECREATIONAL BOATING BUSINESSES INVITE YOU TO COME TO WORK IN THIS FUN, GROWING INDUSTRY.

Here's are the MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ON JOBS IN BOATING:

Answer: Marine industry businesses are constantly hiring for positions in the following fields:

BOATS

• Boat building
  
• Canvas makers/repair
  
• Detailers/Restoration
  
• Electrical Repair
  
• Fiberglass Repair
  
• Fiberglass Restoration
  
• Installers/Riggers
  
• Parts Personnel
  
• Systems Repair/Maintenance Personnel

ENGINE

• Diesel Engine Technician
  
• Inboard Motor (Gas) Technician
  
• Outboard Motor Technician
  
• Service Writer
  
• Stern Drive Technician

MARINA/BOATYARD

• Equipment Operators
  
• Hauling
  
• Waterfront Personnel
  
• Boatyard Personnel
  
• Administrative/Office
  

Answer: For young people, there are a number of high school vocational courses. There are also lots of college and technical school courses available. Take a look at some of our School Links or Contact Us for more info.

Answer: There are college/technical courses available, but as a general rule, once you are working in the Industry, there are lots of great Industry Training courses available to you. Contact Us for more info.

Answer: Most are full time positions. There are a few summer and part time positions. Boating businesses are active full time businesses now, with lots of work to do in the off season.

Answer: Compensation varies with the job and what you can contribute. On-the-job training is common in the boating industry and helps increase your capability and value.

Answer: Technicians are in great demand and short supply. Workers with an interest and/or background in Electrical, Mechanical, Propulsion or Fiberglass repair are the four largest areas currently needed in the boating industry.

No question is too trivial - Contact Us! All legitimate questions will receive an e-mail response. If you have no e-mail capability, address your questions to: Marine Tech Committee, Northwest Marine Trade Association, 1900 N. Northlake Way, Suite 233, Seattle, WA 98103.