The Apprenticeship Program

Apprentice Alex Rockwood after planking a 12 foot lapstrake sailboat of his own design.

Applicants must have solid woodworking experience before applying to this program. THE SATURDAY CLASS IS A PREREQUISITE FOR ENTRY INTO THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM, EVEN IF THE APPLICANT HAS WOODWORKING EXPERIENCE. Whereas advanced woodworking applicants are screened for a couple of months in the Saturday Class to assess skill level and work habits, beginning students spend as much time in this class as is necessary to become qualified. The time it takes to become skilled varies a great deal from student to student. THE ARQUES SCHOOL PROVIDES NO FINANCIAL AID OR HOUSING, NOR CAN WE HELP WITH VISA APPLICATIONS SINCE WE ARE NOT A REGISTERED INSTITUTION.

Level One-Fundamentals

After qualifying, students begin the apprenticeship program with a three-month trial period. Class days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each week. In the School’s Design Class students learn the skills necessary to prepare a full set of lines for an ocean-going boat. They are also assigned home study of reading material that they will be tested on every six weeks. This is mainly the study of two fundamental texts used in the course, Howard Chapelle’s Boatbuilding and by the same author, Yacht Designing and Planning.

Applicants should understand at the outset that the School operates this course in a traditional manner. To become and remain qualified for the course, students must be on time. They must remain focused on the task at hand and avoid unnecessary diversions. Music and cellphones are not allowed. Except for medical reasons, absence from the course is cause for disqualification. Students must at all times abide by the safety and visitation rules laid down by the School.

Tuition: $2,000

Level Two- The Application of Theory

Those qualified by timely and focused study in Level One may proceed with six months at Level Two. Here students deepen their study of boat design and lofting. Students must complete two full sets of lines drawings during this course.

Students at this level work alongside apprentices on School projects. Class days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Private study of class textbooks and progress on boat designs is mandatory.

Tuition is $3000, of which all or part may be worked off on school projects.

Level Three- Compensated Apprenticeship

Students accepted into this level of the Apprenticeship Program join the advanced boat building on various shop and historical projects. Apprentices at this level are compensated on a sliding scale, according to their productivity. This stage of the Apprenticeship has no definite time period but is based on available space in the program, the need of the apprentice, and the judgment of the head instructor.

Instructors

Robert Darr is the head instructor. He is assisted at different times by various craftsmen and graduates.