Leo Bronder-Giroux
Age: 22
Hometown: Boston, Mass.
Education: Attended college for two years in Vermont before deciding on a new path - Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Position : Wooden Boatbuilder
Employer: Boothbay Harbor Shipyard
What kind of training or experience did you have prior to your Apprenticeship?
My only prior experience in boatbuilding was with fiberglass boats.
What drew you to your particular occupation?
I am drawn to boatbuilding because of my interest in learning the skills associated with the finer trade of boatbuilding.
What do you like most about your Apprenticeship?
I enjoy the independence of boatbuilding. I have plenty of room to learn and demonstrate my skills in a concrete way—by building a boat.
What is your work like?
I come in early in the morning and I usually work about 10 hours each day. The tasks of my job can vary a lot. For example, sometimes I do restoration work and other times I may have to bolt things together that other people have made.
How has your Apprenticeship contributed to the progress of your career?
The Apprenticeship has provided me with a skill base. I've been taking pictures to document the work I do. Later, I'll be able to show pictures like a visual resume.
What do you wish you had known about Apprenticeship or your occupation before you signed up?
There isn't really anything because I took a while to look into it and make sure it was right for me.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I hope to still be doing something with boats, whether it be building, sailing, or owning them.
