Part of the TMA BlueTech Maritime Workforce Development Program

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Part of the TMA BlueTech Maritime Workforce Development Program 🌊

Shipyard Bootcamp

This is YOUR fast track into jobs on San Diego’s WATERFRONT.

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Sponsored by

Ready to launch a hands-on career along San Diego’s waterfront?

The TMA BlueTech Shipyard Bootcamp is a five-week, debt-free training program that prepares local residents for entry-level shipyard careers and connects you directly to waterfront employers with strong growth potential. The bootcamp itself is unpaid; however, you are connected with local companies and opportunities with good salary potential.

Find out more by exploring the requirements and get accepted today.

  • Here are some examples of potential entry-level jobs you’ll be trained in:

    • General Shipyard Laborer​

    • Firewatch​

    • Marine Electrician Helper​

    • Marine Mechanic Helper

    • Shipfitter Trainee​

    • Welder Helper​

    • Rigger / Material Handler​

    • Cable Runner / TerminationAssistant

    • Age 18+​

    • Right to work in the U.S. (citizenship not required)​

    • GED or High School Diploma (in process OK)​

    • English language competency (no formal test required)​

    • Drug test​

    • Background check (case-by-case review)​

    • Physical capability for entry-level shipyard tasks​

    • Full-time availability: 5 weeks, Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm

    Equal Opportunity Statement: 
    TMA BlueTech and the Shipyard Bootcamp are Equal Opportunity Programs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category. Accommodations are available upon request. 

    • Lifting 25–50 lbs with proper technique​

    • Standing and moving for extended periods​

    • Bending, kneeling, and working in varied conditions​

    • Working around noise, tools, and industrial equipment with PPE​

Apply Today

Fill out the form via the button below, and the team will contact you once we review your submission.

Need help before you apply? Email workforce@tmabluetech.org 

Application deadline is April 24, 2026.

Program at a Glance

The Shipyard Bootcamp is a short, hands‑on program to prepare you for entry‑level shipyard and maritime jobs. While the bootcamp is unpaid, the majority of your expenses are covered. You’ll get classroom learning, industry‑recognized training, and employer connections. 

  • Safety & Fire Watch: Basic shipyard safety, hazard awareness, PPE, confined space basics, fire watch readiness 

  • Tools: How to use common hand/power tools safely 

  • Measurements & Drawings: Read a tape, basic layout, simple blueprints/ship terms 

  • Cutting & Welding (Intro): Cutting, grinding, metal prep, tack welding, safe practices 

  • Basic Shipfitting: Handling steel, alignment/fit‑up, plate prep, simple assembly 

  • Electrical Basics: Simple circuits, safe lock/out practices, cable routing/terminations 

  • Work Readiness: Communication, teamwork, problem solving, interview/resume help 

  • Awareness of environmental regulations, climate and clean energy policies and emerging technologies 

Attire and Tools

  • We provide training tools and gear.

  • You may need boots and a uniform.

Begins Summer 2026

  • Dates: June 22 – July 24, 2026 

  • Length: 5 weeks ( total ≈ 200 hours)

  • Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM 

Training in San Diego

  • Held at the Maritime Institute: 3980 Sherman St, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92110) 

  • Public Transportation: MTS Routes 8,35, 9; ~1 mile from Old Town Transit Center​

  • Free parking available

Costs

To those who qualify the program is free; however, there are a few elements applicants are responsible for.

Sponsored by TMA BlueTech and Maritime Institute:​

  • Shipyard Bootcamp​

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)​

Paid by Participant or Community Resource​

  • Transportation​

  • Uniform & Steel-Toed Boots​

  • Basic living expenses: housing, food, etc.

More info for Applicants

Job & Career Pathways

  • Entry‑level shipyard roles:

    • Laborer

    • Helper

    • Firewatch

    • Painter/Blaster

    • Mechanical Helper

    • Electrical Helper 

    • No. We don’t guarantee placement. 

    • We do provide credentials, job‑search support, and employer introductions to help you compete. 

    • San Diego County: Shipyards, ship repair companies, marine contractors, and waterfront businesses. 

    • Many employers use staffing agencies for entry‑level roles, which can help new workers get hired quickly. 

  • The bootcamp training is unpaid. However, once you start working, the typical expected wages are $20–$25/hour, depending on role and experience. 

    • Grow into higher‑skilled jobs (painter/blaster, welder, pipefitter, electrician, mechanic) through on‑the‑job training. 

    • Take short courses/certifications (safety, welding, maritime skills) from local providers to move toward apprenticeships and skilled trades. 

    • Skills transfer to construction, manufacturing, logistics/warehouse, facilities maintenance, transportation, and other trades. 

    • Employers value reliability, safety, teamwork, and learning on the job. 

  • Beyond shipyards: Marine manufacturing, aquaculture, ocean‑tech support, environmental monitoring, boat maintenance, port operations, maritime logistics, waterfront facilities. 

Eligibility & Requirements 

    • Age: 18+ (OK if you turn 18 in 2026) 

    • Education: High school diploma or GED (OK if completing in 2026) 

    • Work Authorization: Right to work in the U.S. (citizenship not required) 

    • Drug test (required by many employers) 

    • Background check: Case‑by‑case; not an automatic disqualifier 

    • Physical ability: Comfort with hands‑on, physical work 

    • Full‑time schedule. 

    • Attendance and punctuality are required to finish and earn your certificate. 

Cost and Support

    • Tuition: Free for eligible participants (funded by CA Jobs First and program partners) 

    • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and gloves: Free for eligible participants 

    • Possible out‑of‑pocket items: boots, uniform, drug test, background check, transportation 

  • We may help with transportation or other needs, depending on funding. 

    Email workforce@tmabluetech.org to ask about available support. 

More info for Potential Employers

Job Training and Program Oversight

  • TMA BlueTech does.

    • San Diego–based nonprofit Blue Economy cluster (founded 2007) leading maritime innovation and workforce pathways in the region. 

    • Aligns industry, education, and government; supports programs like Shipyard Bootcamp. 

  • The Maritime Institute

    • Long‑standing provider (since 1976) offering 150+ approved courses with modern equipment and experienced instructors. 

    • Issues the Certificate of Completion for this program. 

Funding & Community Impact

  • These are California neighborhoods identified as most burdened by pollution and economic stressors; the state invests in them to expand opportunity. 

    • Serving residents from SB 535 communities aligns with our goal to create quality entry‑level jobs in a growing sector. 

    • Learn more: State of CA Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment — https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/sb535 

See what it’s like

Want to know what it’s like to work in a shipyard? Check out this video to get a feel for the work environment and possible roles you may have.

Build Ships.

Build Skills.

Build Your Future.

✔ 5 weeks

✔ Debt-free training for those who qualify

✔ Paid career pathways

✔ Growth opportunities with major employers

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APPLY

  • "A year from now you may wish you had started today."

    — Karen Lamb

Broader TMA Workforce Programs

The Shipyard Bootcamp is part of TMA’s broader "Maritime Workforce Equity Pipeline. This pipeline expands access to careers across the maritime and Blue Economy sectors. The program connects students, veterans, and job seekers from disadvantaged communities to debt-free training, industry-recognized certifications, and direct employment pathways in fields such as ship repair, port operations, and ocean technology.

Through partnerships with education institutions, community organizations, and maritime employers, the initiative aligns training with real workforce needs while providing scholarships and wraparound support to remove barriers to participation.

Look for more opportunities as the program expands.

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