The aim is to produce well-rounded, competent achievers in the New Zealand Marine Industry. The industry is committed to constantly upskilling and training staff; people have become the industry's most valuable property.
Apprentices of all ages are drawn from all around the country and often from other professions. With the sea never more than a couple of hours' drive away, New Zealanders have a unique affinity with the ocean that surrounds them, reflected in their love of boating and watersports.
New Zealand's marine industry was the first in the world to build a fibreglass America's Cup boat, the first to build a water-jet drive unit for boats (Hamilton Jet), and the first to build a carbon-fibre mast. New Zealand continues to build more boats per capita than any other country.
BITO has worked hard to attract and hold boatbuilding apprentices. The New Zealand industry remains vibrant and continues to grow, despite difficult export trading conditions, so demand for skilled boatbuilders is high.
New Zealand boatbuilders are recognised as amongst the best qualified and most versatile in the world. Their skills are sought wherever boats are built.













