Calling to build own boat prompts a career shift

Media release: A calling to build his own boat prompts a career shift for NorthTec student

The call of the sea is in the genes for Whangarei trainee boatbuilder Jeffrey Johnson. His great-grandfather was a seaman and coastal shipping agent in New Zealand. Jeffrey’s father had a yacht when Jeffrey was boy and since then he has always had a dream of building his own boat. “We just love the water.”

Jeffrey is a qualified mechanic but decided to switch from a career in the automotive industry and signed up for NorthTec’s National Certificate in Boatbuilding (Marine Cabinetmaking) at the start of the year.

He bought the plans for a Pelin design 6.4 metre “Tango” plywood construction vessel. He’s now got the hull to a primed stage and turned the boat over. Next month he’ll be transporting the hull to his home to work on the floor and cabin top and to install the motor and complete the plumbing and electrical work.

Jeffrey’s been able to do all of the work while gaining his NorthTec qualification. “The course has been brilliant. The tutors are well-qualified and full of knowledge. They’re eager to help you and are great to get on with. They’ve made the course really interesting.”

Fellow student Murray Reid has also been a big help in terms of Jeffrey’s boatbuilding project. “He’s been fantastic. He has a wide knowledge of the boatbuilding industry.”

Jeffrey and his classmates have been able to get some insight into the industry they hope to enter through visiting local businesses Friendship Yachts and Northland Contract Boatbuilders and as a result of a trip to YDL in Auckland.

With his new training and practical skills under his belt Jeffrey’s got his sights firmly set on a career in boatbuilding. “I knew I had to make a change and this is something I enjoy and that I want to do. I’m fortunate that I have a very supportive partner, that’s allowed me to do the programme.”

He’s also now a lot closer to realising his dream of owning a boat that’s big enough to take his little girl out fishing.

NorthTec will be holding an information session for prospective students at its Future Trades campus in Dyer St, Whangarei on 16 November (4pm-6pm). Boatbuilding students will have their year’s work (including a dinghy, wooden long boat, and waka ama hoe) on display in the boatbuilding workshop.

To see time lapse photography of the building of Jeffrey’s boat go to: http://www.northland.ac.nz/Programmes/Pages/Boatbuilding.

ENDS

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