Employer: Van Dam Custom Boats
Email Address: vandam@vandamboats.com
Position Title: Boat Building Apprentice
Compensation: Based on experience
Company: The crew at Van Dam consists of some of the most highly skilled wooden boat builders in the industry as well as young, keen people working through the company’s own apprenticeship program. We are a creative, hardworking and happy bunch on a quest to build the finest wooden boats in the world. With a constant pursuit for perfection and the highest standards, Van Dam is renowned for the beautiful artwork of its boat building. By joining our team, you will be working on some of the most exciting and finest wooden boat building projects in the world with a small, dedicated team that has built a larger variety of wooden boats than anyone in North America. It is a place where your contribution matters! We have an expansive shop with state-of-the-art equipment and a culture that supports the people and the mission. Our backlog stretches into 2023 with people around the world waiting for their chance to build their dream with this team. Growth potential and training in the areas of project leadership, build management and technical knowledge is available, and it is expected that you will want to participate and take an active role in your growth.
Position Summary: Van Dam Custom Boats, one of the world’s premier wooden boat builders, is seeking applications to fill one spot in its own 4-year Apprenticeship Program. The Van Dam Custom Boats Apprenticeship is a challenging program ideal for individuals who are passionate about creating, have a drive to be the best, and have the vision and tenacity to excel during the learning process. We look for highly motivated young people who want to learn a skilled trade and be part of an elite team. Apprentices must be passionate about building boats and personal growth, and they need to have a positive, upbeat mindset and the ability to take constructive criticism and grow from it. Apprentices must be team focused and self-driven and they must have an inquisitive mind.
Duties and Responsibilities: We expect a great deal of effort from our apprentices. In return, you will be offered a paid position of learning, with benefits and generous wage increases throughout the apprenticeship.
• Live our fundamentals
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn and take criticism, and a dedication to personal growth
• Possess a positive, upbeat mindset
• Be team-focused and self-driven
• Understand the importance and value of time
• Embrace the concept of Kaizen (the practice of continuous improvement)
• Take responsibility for your training and experience here
Requirements and Qualifications:
• High School diploma
• Experience around boats preferred
• Experience working with tools preferred
The Location:
Located in beautiful Boyne City, Michigan on the shores of Lake Charlevoix, you will find four seasons of adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating and fishing on our many inland lakes and rivers as well as on the Great Lakes. Every snow activity imaginable is available at our three area ski resorts while biking, hiking, and camping are right in our back yard. We have great schools, reasonably priced housing, fabulous restaurants, a vibrant farm market, plus much more for people that value community and nature.
How to Apply:
This position is offered as full-time, year-round employment. Applicants must have at least six years of cold molded boat building and woodworking experience. Any experience with related trades such as metalworking, finishing and mechanical systems are a plus. We offer a comprehensive benefit package (check it out here) and generous compensation for proven experience. And in case you missed them, we live our cultural fundamentals everyday – you can review them HERE. We are on a mission!
Come join us! Please submit your letter of interest, portfolio of experiences, and references on our website at vandamboats.com/careers.