Marine Trades Apprenticeship

Are you curious about a career in the marine trades? Do you love boating and being out on the water? Do you work well in a team environment?


Safe Harbor is looking for a marine trades apprentice to join their team for the summer! In this exploratory program, the apprentice will work directly alongside the year-round team learning the fundamental skills required during spring and summer seasons at a New England boatyard. The candidate will be exposed to both hands on and soft based skills, including proper boat cleaning, proper bottom paint techniques, boat fueling, as well as customer service, effective communication, teamwork and more. This opportunity is best suited for those that are or may be interested in a recreational marine industry career.

About the Employer
Safe Harbor is a full service marine facility, offering summer and winter storage, certified marine service, in water floating dock slips, valet in/out rack service and moorings. We strive to provide an unparalleled boating experience for our members.

Details

Start date: Mid May | flexible

Hours: 30-40 hours/week

Duration: Through Labor Day, with the possibility of extension for the right candidate

Opportunity Open to: High School Students, College students, Young Professionals (20s)

Duties + Responsibilities

  • Learn and develop vessel detailing and bottom painting techniques, materials, preparation and processes.

  • Work as a team player to accomplish service related goals

  • Learn and develop high end level customer service skills, including effective communication techniques and attention to detail. 

  • Learn proper knot tying techniques

  • Learn and develop essential safety skills, including basic emergency preparedness, fuel dock operations, PPE requirements and many of other industry standard safety procedures

  • Use of all skill sets listed above to assist our members in and out of the marina

  • Work with the team to ensure the grounds are well kept and orderly 


Skills + Experience

Required skills:

  • Candidates must have a strong desire to work outside and near the water

  • Be able to work as a team player

  • Ability to communicate effectively

  • Able to lift 50lbs, climb a ladder and be able to walk on uneven and moving surfaces. 

  • Love working with people and making them smile

Bonus points for:

  • Previous boat handling experience

  • Line tying, knots, boat handling skills

  • Previous on water experience

  • Boater license

  • Previous customer service experience

The ideal candidate is:

  • Curious about a career in the marine trades

  • Passionate about boating, being outside or on the water

  • Has past experience with basic boat handling sailing or customer service

  • Is able/willing to learn, listen and committed to advance their career and the team’s performance

Compensation

Compensation: $18-25/hour, depending on experience.

This apprenticeship will..

Help you develop the following skills:

  • Bottom Painting techniques, processes, materials, preparation, application and clean up

  • Boat Detailing processes from buffing and waxing to washing, proper materials, preparation, application and clean up

  • Proper PPE equipment needed to safety work in a marina environment

  • Knot tying and dock handling techniques and processes

  • Fuel dock operations, including proper pre and post fueling procedures and awareness

  • POS computer functionality and process, completing fuel and service transactions

  • Basic forklift operation functions and proper hand signals, spotting techniques and processes

  • Communication

  • Customer service

  • Time management skills

  • Teamwork and team building

  • Safety conscious attitude

By the end of the program, you will:

  • Be familiar with and fairly proficient in bottom painting, buffing and waxing and detailing a 20' boat. Understand basic materials to use, safety and PPE requirements, proper application, time management and effective clean up. 

  • Be comfortable fueling boats, understanding proper pre and post fueling processes as well as potential emergency procedures

  • Be an effective communicator within and outside of the team

  • Understand and be working on honing proper high end customer service skills

CAMP! Program Requirements

BootCAMP!
CAMP! interns/apprentices are required to participate in BootCAMP–a weekend of in-person professional development workshops. Topics covered include professionalism, goal setting, skill development, financial wellness, and preparing a professional profile. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of completion. Exemptions may be permitted under exceptional circumstances.

When: Saturday + Sunday | June 21 + 22, 2025

Location: In-person at Slough Farm in Edgartown, MA.
More details coming soon!

Mandatory check-ins
Throughout the program, participants will participate in check-ins with the CAMP team. This includes an initial onboarding meeting at the beginning of the internship program, a group coaching session, and an end of program check in.

During check-ins, interns will reflect on their personal and professional goals and accomplishments relating to their internship experience.