Very simply, a shipbuilder (also called a shipfitter) is literally the person who fits the pieces of the ship together using riveting or welding skills. Shipbuilding activities include ship construction, repair, conversion, and alteration. Needless to say, this opens the door to many shipbuilding career opportunities in the construction and industrial trades.
The associations listed below represent organizations made up of people (members) who work and promote advancement in the field. Associations provide opportunities to network, develop professional relationships, learn more about a field’s trends and directions, and many even provide job postings.
- S. Merchant Marine
- S. Dept. of Labor - American Shipbuilding Association (ASA)
- American Boat Builders and Repairers Association
If you think you are interested in a career in Shipbuilding, there are programs at technical, community, and public and private colleges to help you prepare for this line of work. Use the College Search Tool to begin your discovery. Enter the keyword ‘maritime’ into the search field.