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Boat Builder and Repairer

ANZSCO: 399111 | MLTSSL Migration Pathway

$60k – $85k Avg Salary (AUD)
Moderate Future Demand
MLTSSL Visa Eligibility
TRA Assessing Body

PR Pathway Overview

Study
→
Graduate
→
485 Visa
→
Work
→
Skills Assess
→
EOI
→
Invitation
→
Visa Grant
Pathway Insights: Most applicants aim for 80+ points. Regional Advantage: Studying or working in regional Australia provides a significant advantage and grants an additional +5 points to your total. The estimated total timeline from course commencement to permanent residency grant is typically 4 to 6 years.

Occupation Overview

Entry Req.: Year 12 completion (or equivalent); IELTS 5.5 overall (no band less than 5.0).

Intakes: February, July (varies by provider).

Qualification: Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction (MEM32113) or Certificate III in Boatbuilding and Repair.

Training Path: 4-year apprenticeship or substantial on-the-job training. Typically 2 years full-time for international student packaged courses.

Job Security: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate - stable niche market).

Business Opportunities: Excellent for specialist contractors in the recreational boating industry.

Skills Assessment: Fully assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).

Boat builder working on a hull

Job Description & Training

Core Role: Constructs, repairs, and refits marine vessels using timber, fibreglass, aluminium, and composites. Responsibilities include installing engines, systems, and finishes to seaworthy standards.

Industry Insights: A specialized trade with steady demand driven by Australia's strong recreational boating culture. Expertise in composite materials and fibreglass repair is particularly valued.

Your Australian PR occupation guide

Select any occupation to see the full skills assessment pathway, study options, English requirements, state nomination status, and visa comparison — all in one place.

90 Occupations
8 Assessing Bodies
6 Visa Pathways
8 States & Territories
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Simple 4 Step Process

1

Enrol to a Course

Firstly, you must enrol in the right course/courses – one that trains you for a position on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

FIND A COURSE
2

Apply for 485 visa

After graduation, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary work visa called the 485 Graduate Visa.

3

Undertake a Full Skill Assessment

Most trade occupations undertake the Job Ready Program assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), which involves 12-months of paid work experience.

4

Apply for 189, 190, 491 visas

Finally... you may be eligible to apply for General Skilled Migration Visas: The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), State Nominated (Subclass 190) or Regional Nominated (Subclass 491) Visas.

Visa & PR Pathways

Skilled Independent

Subclass 189
  • Direct Permanent Residency
  • Points-based (No sponsor needed)
  • Full access via MLTSSL status

Skilled Nominated

Subclass 190
  • Direct Permanent Residency
  • State/Territory nomination required
  • Access via MLTSSL status

Regional Skilled

Subclass 491
  • 5-year provisional visa
  • +15 Points for Regional sponsorship
  • Pathway to 191 Permanent Residency

Employer Sponsored

Subclass 482
  • Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS)
  • Medium-term stream
  • Full sponsorship pathways available

Regional Employer

Subclass 494
  • Regional Employer Sponsored
  • Direct pathway to Permanent Residency
  • Priority regional processing

MLTSSL Status grants full access to all skilled visa streams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Course entry requirements?

For international students, typical entry requirements include the successful completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) and an English proficiency score equivalent to IELTS 5.5 overall (with no band less than 5.0).

Course intakes?

Major course intakes for Marine Craft Construction generally fall in February and July, although some providers may offer alternative starting dates.

Course duration?

An international student taking a packaged trade course towards a Certificate III typically requires 2 years of full-time study, while domestic apprenticeships take up to 4 years.

Does studying regionally add points?

Yes. By completing your studies and living in a designated regional area of Australia, you will be awarded an additional +5 points towards your overall skilled migration points score.

Is the Boat Builder role in demand?

Yes, it has a stable and moderate demand. It is listed on the MLTSSL, demonstrating a sustained national requirement for specialized tradespeople in the marine and recreational boating industry.

Do I need a license/registration to work?

While not strictly a licensed trade like plumbing, you will need a valid White Card to work in construction zones or boatyards, and some specialized tasks might require specific certifications (like forklift operations or working at heights).

What is the average salary expectation?

Qualified Boat Builders and Repairers in Australia typically earn an average salary ranging between $60,000 and $85,000 AUD per year, depending on their expertise and the location.

What visa pathways are available?

Since this role is on the MLTSSL, you have access to a wide array of pathways including the Subclass 189, State Nominated Subclass 190, and the Regional Subclass 491 visas.

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