Surface finisher apprenticeship

Prepare hulls, superstructures, chassis and components for use. 

Do you have good attention to detail, and enjoy working with your hands? Here’s one you may not have considered yet. Surface finishers prepare wooden, metal, or composite hulls, superstructures, chassis and components of boats, vehicles and aircrafts. During this apprenticeship, you’ll learn to plan surface finishing work, set up equipment, and apply coatings to prepared surfaces using specialist techniques and products. You’ll get hands-on with spray, hand paint, varnish and French polish. You’ll also learn more about identifying defects, and carrying out performance testing and quality assurance activities. Surface finishers are in demand in in the marine, aviation and automotive industries. You could work for varied employers, from ‘supercar’ manufacturers to marinas. You will develop skills which can be used on vehicles from high-end private jets to motorised cruisers and commercial aircraft.  

Duration: 42 months 

Relevant school subjects: Art, DT 

Entry requirements for the surface finisher apprenticeship: Depends on employer, but likely GCSEs or equivalent qualifications and experience

Achievement upon completion: Level 3 (Advanced) – equivalent to A-levels  

Potential salary upon completion: £26,000 

Find out more: www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk