12-Week Apprenticeship
Program Highlights
”Our 12-week traditional boatbuilding course introduces students to the fundamentals of boatbuilding through the construction of a flat-bottomed lapstrake rowboat, the Susan skiff. The Susan skiff provides an excellent platform for learning the skills needed to build almost any wooden boat. The 12 weeks spent on this boat are dedicated to the beginner’s learning process, with more direct instruction and guidance to get new builders started and familiarize participants with the tools of the trade. Instructors work alongside apprentices, answering questions, providing feedback, assisting with problem solving, and demonstrating techniques as needed. Each week, there are scheduled demonstrations, group discussions, optional extracurricular opportunities, as well as an abundance of hands-on practice. The 12-week program allows for the completion of the Susan skiff at a comfortable pace for most students, regardless of prior experience. Please keep in mind, however, that the work is physically demanding and requires full days. Participants take the boat home upon completion. All tools, materials, and supplies are provided, though participants are encouraged to bring whatever tools they may already have. .”
Denis Schätti, Bauleiter | Schätti Baumanagement AG
CULTURE
Becoming a contributing member of the community is integral to our programs. We work together, sail together, cook and eat together, and teach each other. Being part of the ‘Shop community helps you navigate personal dynamics, develop leadership skills, and practice community citizenship. Our learning atmosphere demands full participation and engagement, fostering a culture of mutual support and shared responsibility. Whether it’s stepping away from your own project to help a launching crew, moving lumber, or setting up for an event, we encourage a mindset of asking for and offering help when needed—especially when it contributes to the organization’s success as a whole.
COMMUNITY
On a daily basis, apprentices work alongside one another—whether as part of a project crew or simply as bench neighbors. Successful group dynamics require strong communication skills, respect, trust, flexibility, and commitment. Everyone plays a role in creating a positive work environment, where apprentices can seek guidance, advice, and problem-solving support from their peers. Challenges are never faced alone, and individual accomplishments reflect the progress of the group as a whole. Open communication between students, staff, and board members is fundamental to this community. Apprentices engage directly with instructors, participate in scheduled feedback checkpoints, and elect a second-year apprentice representative to bring their collective voice to quarterly board meetings.
VALUES
upcoming Program DATES
January 21st, 2025
April 7th, 2025
September 8th, 2025
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TUITION
$8,000 per person
Financial assistance, scholarships and patyment plans are available - READ MORE HERE.
Have Questions?
Drop us a line!
What our Apprentices Say…
QUICK LINKS
PROGRAM OVERVIEW | TUITION DETAILS | FUNDING YOUR APPRENTICESHIP | ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Our 12-week traditional boatbuilding course introduces students to the fundamentals of boatbuilding through the construction of a flat-bottomed lapstrake rowboat, the Susan skiff. The Susan skiff provides an excellent platform for learning the skills needed to build almost any wooden boat.
This program is ideal for beginners, dedicated to the learning process with more direct more direct instruction and guidance to get new builders started and familiarize participants with the tools of the trade. Instructors work alongside apprentices, answering questions, providing feedback, assisting with problem solving, and demonstrating techniques as needed.
The 12-week program allows for the Susan skiff to be completed at a comfortable pace. Please keep in mind, however, that the work is physically demanding and requires full days.
Participants take the boat home upon completion.
PROGRAM OUTLINE
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Rabbeting the stem
Putting together the transom
Milling and fitting the chines
Securing the stem, transom, and chines in place on the construction jig
Skills introduced:
• How to select wood and grain
• How to use a chisel and mallet
• How to use a hand saw
• How to cut a rabbet (translating 2-dimensional patterns to 3-dimensional objects)
• How to spline and glue
• How to use the table saw, chop saw, bandsaw, and thickness planer
• What a bevel is and how to cut one
• How to use and adjust a hand plane
• How to bend wood
• Types of fasteners and how to use each one
• How to seal, bed, and fasten
• How to set up and true a construction jig
• How to deal with compound angles
• How to put together the basic backbone of a boat -
Fitting and fastening the keelson
Lining off
Installing the garboard
Skills Introduced:
• Design and layout
• Fairing by eye
• Fitting
• How to cut a gain -
Installing the second strake and sheer (remaining planks)
Fairing the chines for bottom planking
Skills introduced:
• How to spile
• How to rivet -
Fairing the chines for bottom planking
Installing bottom planking
Installing the keel, keelson and rub strips
Skills introduced:
• How to use the joiner
• How to cut a caulking bevel
• Different methods of caulking -
Installing the frames, breasthook, quarter knees, and inwales
Skills introduced:
• How to use a camber gauge
• Finish carpentry -
Installing thwart risers, thwarts, oarlock pads, and rub rails
Painting and oiling
Skills introduced:
• How to sand
• Different kinds of finishes and what they’re used for
• How to paint
• How to use a router
• How to cove
• Techniques for making patterns
• Different kinds of boat hardware
• Splicing (optional)
QUICK LINKS
PROGRAM OVERVIEW | TUITION DETAILS | FUNDING YOUR APPRENTICESHIP | ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Tuition Details
Tuition: $8,000
Includes the cost of the finished Susan Skiff, which you take home at the completion of the program!
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The purpose of this policy is to assure that each apprentice is provided a fair and equitable refund of tuition when appropriate. If the Apprenticeshop decides to cancel a program on or prior to the first day, a full refund will be issued for all tuition payments made. If a program is canceled after the first day of enrollment, we will refund the unused portion of prepaid tuition and fees on a pro rata basis.
In situations where an apprentice enrolls in the program but, prior to completion, elects to cancel, withdraw, or is dismissed by the school, or otherwise fails to complete the program, refunds will be administered according to the following schedule and terms:
On or prior to 60 days before the start of program, all tuition paid will be refunded, less $500.
Within 60 days of the program start, the school will refund all tuition paid less the $1000 deposit.
After the start of the program, The Apprenticeshop will retain 100% of tuition paid.
In the case of undue hardship, the student can petition for a prorated refund by submitting a written request to the Program Director. If a student is on a payment plan, he/she/they is still responsible for any remaining unpaid tuition or charges.
Payment
Full payment of tuition must be made on or before the first day of program. Payments can be made via:
Cash, check, or bank transfer
Agreed upon monthly payment plan through FACTS Tuition Management Co. Please inquire with us about this option.
Funding Your Apprenticeship
APPRENTICESHOP ASSISTANCE
We know that tuition can be a major barrier to attending any post-secondary program, including our 12-week apprenticeship. We are currently exploring different funding opportunities to make our program more feasible and widely available. Please inquire with us about financial aid and internal scholarship funds available. Below, there is a list of outside scholarship opportunities to apply for to assist with tuition.
OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Berkshire Woodworkers Guild Scholarship
The Berkshire Woodworkers Guild is a not-for-profit association of professional and amateur woodworkers. They award $2,500 scholarships to people planning to pursue a career in woodworking or complimentary fields. Applicants must be 16-30 years old to be eligible. Application Deadline: May 1st. For more information, visit: https://www.berkshirewoodworkers.org/scholarship/
NMRA Scholarship for Students of Marine Trades
Since 2008, the National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA) has contributed to the future of the marine industry with scholarships to individuals pursuing education and a career in the maritime trades. They award a $3,000 scholarship to outstanding students. Request an application or information from NMRA at: info@nmraonline.org
The Island Institute Geiger Scholarship
The Geiger Scholarship supports students from Maine’s year-round, unbridged islands who are eager to expand their educational horizons through off-island enrichment and travel experiences. Students are eligible for one Geiger Scholarship award during middle school, one during high school, one during college, and one as a gap year. Application Deadline: November 30th and February 28th. For more information, visit: http://www.islandinstitute.org/geiger-scholarship
The Island Institute Compass Workforce Grant
The Compass Workforce Grant provides financial support (up to $500 per applicant) for young adults from Maine’s unbridged islands to help pay for workforce expenses associated with pursuing a certificate or credential that leads to high-value employment. For more information, visit: http://www.islandinstitute.org/resource/compass-workforce-grant
Youth Maritime Training Association Scholarships
YMTA scholarships are available to high school seniors in the State of Washington who would like to pursue maritime training and education in a community college, technical and vocational program, college, university, maritime academy or other educational institution. For more information, visit: www.ymta.net/ymta-scholarships/
AES Engineering Scholarship
AES Engineering is pleased to be able to continue offering scholarships to motivated students to help in the furthering of their education. Our belief is that achieving a high grade point average should not be the only criteria for determining who deserves to be helped. For that reason we are offering a scholarship that will be awarded on the basis of character, as determined by an evaluation of the essays that are submitted. Scholarships are intended for our future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study. Application Deadline: October 5th. For more information, visit: http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.php
OutdoorStack Scholarship
At OutdoorStack, we’re passionate about outdoor activities, and we want to help others who are passionate about outdoors. Outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, cycling, water sports, winter sports are all about people sharing common interests and are strongly important for building communities. To encourage students and families throughout America to spend more time outdoors, we have created the Outdoor Stack’s Annual Financial Aid Program for students enrolled in Full-Time, Part-Time or Online education courses. Application Deadline: September 18th. For more information, visit: https://outdoorstack.com/finaid/.
HireAHelper Skilled Trade & Technology Scholarships
Growing demand and lack of qualified workers in skilled trades like the moving industry means it’s a great time to go back to school and enter these lucrative and fast-growing industries. To help keep up with demand and assist the next generation of professionals, HireAHelper will award a $2,000 scholarship four times a year to eligible students. For more information, visit: https://www.hireahelper.com/about/scholarships/.