Become an Apprentice

The Apprenticeshop offers immersive, hands-on apprenticeship programs in traditional wooden boatbuilding and seamanship. Whether you're looking for a short-term introduction or a long-term commitment, our programs provide the skills, experience, and community to support your journey. For more detailed information about our program offerings, visit the links below or check out our FAQ page.

 

2025 PROGRAM START DATES

12-Week
January 21st
April 7th
September 8th

9-Month
January 21st
April 7th
September 8th

2-Year
January 21st
April 7th
September 8th

12-Week APPRENTICESHIP

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Our 12-week traditional boatbuilding program introduces students to boatbuilding through the construction of a 11’ 3”, flat-bottomed lapstrake rowboat, the Susan Skiff. The Susan Skiff provides a strong foundation for learning the basic elements of building any wooden boat. Participants take the boat home upon completion.

9-MONTH APPRENTICESHIP

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Our 9-month Apprenticeship program offers you the chance to learn traditional wooden boatbuilding and seamanship in a hands-on, community-minded environment. You will start off your apprenticeship by building an 11’ 3” Susan Skiff in pairs. These flat-bottomed skiffs provide an excellent platform for learning the basics of boatbuilding and tool use, teaching the skills you will need throughout the rest of your Apprenticeship. After you complete your Susan Skiff, you will work on a more complex project commissioned by an actual client as part of a small crew of 9-month and 2-year apprentices.

2-year
APPRENTICESHIP

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The 2-year Apprenticeship is similar to the 9-month program in content and character but involves a longer time commitment and a deeper engagement with the crafts of boatbuilding and sailing. The first year of the program runs alongside the 9-month apprenticeship. In the second year, Apprentices continue working on commissions, gaining more skill and experience with each new project. They take on more responsibility in the community, teaching and mentoring 9-month Apprentices and often serving as project leaders.