How you diagnose problems — systematically

Maritime crafts is a vocational education and follows the classic Danish alternation model: you alternate between going to school and apprenticing at a workplace. There is a good reason for this — the craft is learned best with your hands and at the same time you need the theory that makes you understand why things are done as they are. The education contains two specialties boat builder and sail maker and you choose your direction along the way.

§The basic course — the first two half-years

If you come more or less directly from primary and lower secondary school, you start on the first part of the basic course (GF1). It is a broad, exploratory course where you get a taste of the craft and the technical field in general. If you have already chosen a direction, or are a bit older, you can jump directly into the second part of the basic course (GF2), which is targeted at the subject.

On GF2, you come close to maritime craft. You work with materials, tools, and the first real tasks, and you get the basic theory in place. GF2 ends with a basic course exam, and you must pass it — and often have acquired a number of safety certificates — before you can move on to the main course.

§Main course — apprenticeship and school periods

When you have an apprenticeship and have passed the basic course you begin the main course. Here you are employed at a workplace – a boatyard or with a sailmaker – and you regularly return to school for new theory and new skills. It is at the workplace that you truly become a craftsperson because you work on real tasks alongside experienced journeymen.

The main course concludes with a journeyman's exam, where you show that you master the trade. If you pass, you are fully trained and can call yourself a boat builder or sailmaker.

§How long does it take?

The total qualification lasts around 4 years and 6 months when you count basic and main program together. It is a long qualification for a small trade, and it reflects that there is a lot to learn: you must master both materials, techniques and how to work precisely on something that later must be able to withstand the sea.

§Admission and access requirements

To begin a vocational education there is typically an admission requirement of a certain grade average in Danish and math from elementary school or to document an equivalent level in another way. The rules may change so always check the current admission requirements at the school you want to apply to or on the official education pages.

The most important step besides getting into school is finding an apprenticeship position. The trades are small and specialized so be actively seeking and show you are passionate about the craft.