Currently, there is a strong demand for technically qualified personnel in the shipbuilding sector. Day by day, this sector is becoming more and more popular among job seekers.
Younger generation are now highly interested in a shipbuilding career. Since shipbuilding continues to evolve, the job offers many learning opportunities for a person. In this blog, we will outline the job scope for the shipyard & shipbuilding industry.
Why The Shipbuilding Industry Needs Skilled Workers?
Constructing ships is a complex process of engineering. The reason is that the shipbuilding process is a mix of contributions from specialists covering a wide variety of subject matter.
However, research has led to the creation of procedures throughout the years, which has resulted in much technical and management clarity in the design, design approval, and building of the ships.
Moreover, adequacy in the amount and quality of trained labor is the key to the appropriate use of these technical resources. Building ships is a highly dependable operation. That's why shipbuilders need skillful employees. So, getting a job in this sector can be more challenging.
Career Options in Shipyard & Shipbuilding Industries
Various career choices are available in a shipyard:
Welders and Solderers:
Welders are an integral element of a yard's skilled staff. Research has also shown that the quality of soldering at a shipyard adds to the yard project cycle time.
Not only that, but they also have a significant impact on the quality of constructions created in the yard. All the metal structures that make up the ship are welded by Welders.
They receive theory and on-the-job training for all forms of welding that the shipyard will utilize. Each welder is tested after completing the training, and the quality of its welds is assessed using non-destructive testing methods.
Only those with no weld flaws are hired as welders in the shipyard. Solderers are subjected to a similar induction process.
Structural Fabricators:
Most of the workforce in construction yards is made up of structural fabricators. They rely on professional drawings to build all the fabrications.
The two primary abilities needed by the structural manufacturers are interpreting designs and the manufacture of metalwork. They also put the same on the hull once each structure is manufactured.
After a recognized apprenticeship program and a corresponding theory course, the majority of shipyards recruit shipyard fabricators.
Plumbers:
Plumbers are vital since a ship has to have excellent water connections and supplies. The piping component in vessels demands the utmost care in reading and understanding the isometric tube designs and tube and instrument drawings (P&IDs).
The plumbing experts are must be specialists in tube fittings like valves, flanges, and so on.
Electricians:
All the electric wires on the ship are installed by electricians on the basis of cable routing schemes. It also installs all electrical and electronic equipment, bridge and radar navigation equipment, lighting, control panels, control room panels, etc.
Proper identification of colors is a must for this job. If you are affected by color blindness, this job is not for you. Electricians also employed by the shipyard maintenance department.
Carpenters:
While the shipbuilding industry has progressed from timber used to construct ships, it is necessary for carpenters to be part of the yard.
Templates for marine pipelines have also been prepared. The construction of dock blocks and keel blocks is another crucial contribution by carpenters in shipbuilding.
Riggers:
In a shipbuilding yard, riggers do all the rigging works. The scope of their job extends from large structures lifting and moving, scaffolding and moving the moderate weight structures in the shipyard.
They are trained to manage different types of cranes used at the yard and are certified annually.
Quality Administration Inspectors:
They are one of the most qualified employees in a shipyard and are generally assigned jobs with adequate expertise in marine construction. QC Inspectors are the most often called inspectors. They conduct non-destructive testing on sold joints and do dimensional checks on all main structures following their installation.
Supervisors:
As the name indicates, shipbuilding supervisors are responsible for the whole shipbuilding process in the yard. This does not entail, however, that a supervisor is responsible for the entire shipbuilding process.
Each department at the workshop level would have its supervisor.
Marine Surveyors:
Although these shipyards are not directly involved, they play a crucial part in the overall shipbuilding process. The ship's owner employs a classification company to certify the ship's design and construction.
Engineers:
As naval construction is so complicated, engineers from various areas need to be involved. For example, all structural construction, design, and welding are carried out in a vessel by mechanical engineers.
The purchase and installation of electrical equipment, including electrical cables and panels, is under the responsibility of electrical engineers.
A combined operation conducted under the direction of electric and electronic experts involves navigational equipment, wiring, and installation.
Naval Architects
In the shipbuilding sector, naval architects play a crucial role. They are primarily responsible for the ship design in shipyards, which involves the design, stability calculations, resistance estimates, 3D manufacturing model preparation, and 2D production drawings.
Bottom Line
It's not simple to work on a shipyard. The salary depends on the degree of experience and the type of work.
This is why a person needs to think deeply before starting their job at the shipyard. There are many exciting career paths in shipbuilding.
If you need more information on shipyard construction jobs and maritime jobs, you can visit the job section of the MK Industries website. Or contact us here.