Why the Landing School?

The Landing School effectively prepares students for careers in the marine industry—as designers, builders, systems technicians, and managers.

For more than four decades, we’ve built a reputation as one of the only accredited schools in the United States dedicated entirely to marine education, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.

When you choose The Landing School, you aren’t just signing up for classes—you’re entering a learning environment designed to mirror the realities of the marine industry. Every course is crafted in collaboration with employers, alumni, and industry leaders, so the skills you develop are exactly the ones companies are looking for. From hands-on boatbuilding and systems installation to advanced yacht design software and composite construction, you’ll be immersed in real-world projects that prepare you to step directly into the workforce.

As a boatbuilder in Maine and an employer in the industry, there is nothing more important than highly skilled, knowledgeable people joining the workforce. Our success is completely dependent on the talents of our craftspeople and their abilities to become the supervisors and managers of tomorrow.
— Aaron Crawford, Yacht Design ’93, President and CEO of Sabre Yachts
 

Job ready in 9 months

High industry demand for skilled marine professionals

30+ industry visits and field trips annually

Extensive Alumni Network — read our Alumni Stories

25+ hiring companies at our annual job fair

100+ positions posted on TLS Job Board each year

 
The Landing School is a cornerstone in training the next generation of boat builders, marine systems technicians, and yacht designers. This summer, we welcomed graduates Luke Carter and Billy Schwaner, who contributed to the design and construction of our Hull 42 63’ Convertible — from rendering and toolpathing to CNC cutting and assembly. We’ve been fortunate to hire several Landing School alumni, including Luke as Design Engineer and Aidan Lundgren as Inventory Manager, and are grateful to instructors Duane Branch and Roland Saucier for preparing students so well for industry demands.
— Gabby Mulholland, Human Resources, Winter Custom Yachts
During my time at The Landing School, I gained valuable experience and design processes that have allowed me to strive in my new career. The Yacht Design program shaped my modeling skills and helped develop my attention to detail, as well as my ability to adapt a design when complications arise. Due to my time at TLS, I have been presented with opportunities that have helped start my career.
— Luke Carter, Design Engineer, Winter Custom Yachts, Composite Boatbuilding ‘23, Yacht Design ‘24
 

97%

average graduation rate in the last three years

92%

student satisfaction rate per a recent ACCSC survey

$52-$72K

Average starting salary according to ZipRecruiter & Glassdoor

Salaries vary by location, experience, and employer

 

Sample career paths

Yacht Design

Yacht design · yacht construction · production engineering · component design · drafting · project management · technical consultancy · technical sales

Wooden Boatbuilding

New builds · restoration · repair · interior finish · joinery & outfitting · paint & varnish

Marine Systems

Service technician · systems installer · boatyard management · service writer · repair technician · boatyard operations · vessel crew · technical sales

Composite Boatbuilding

Boat production · restoration · repair · composite technician roles beyond marine (aerospace, wind, automotive, etc.)

We value the education The Landing School provides and see tremendous potential in their graduates. Each student interaction reveals their curiosity and genuine passion for our industry. We appreciate the instructors and leadership team who consistently deliver a curriculum that prepares students for success.
— Safe Harbor Marinas
 

Workforce Pipeline Partners