Marine Trades Programs in Newport, Rhode Island for Hands-On Learning
IYRS School of Technology & Trades is where craftsmanship meets career. As a premier post-secondary, non-profit school, IYRS offers four, hands-on Marine Trades programs.
- Boatbuilding & Restoration
- Marine Systems
- Runabout Pilot (non-accredited*)
- Yacht Design (non-accredited*)
Our students are aspiring craftspeople, designers, makers, builders, and technicians who come to IYRS to learn the hands-on and technology skills they'll use to build successful careers and richer lives.
Boatbuilding & Restoration
20 month program | Enrolls in September
IYRS School of Technology & Trades offers an immersive 20-month Boatbuilding & Restoration certificate program for aspiring boatbuilders, historic preservationists, marine carpenters and woodworkers. Master the craft of boatbuilding and marine woodworking through our twenty-month Boatbuilding & Restoration program. You'll experience every element of the boat restoration and build process, from lofting (drafting the boat design) to launching your restored wooden yacht from the school's marina in Newport Harbor. You'll become equipped for career success through a curriculum packed with daily hands-on learning, team-based historic boat restorations, and relevant classroom education. The program includes an industry externship after the first year and culminates in the launch of your restored wooden yacht in both year 1 and year 2.
We believe the best way to learn is through doing. At the start of your program, you'll ground yourself in the foundational elements of shop safety and tool and machine use before embarking on a team-based historic boat restoration project. In year one, you'll work with your team to measure, loft, build, finish and finally - launch - a catboat you've restored into Newport Harbor. Our students regularly describe Launch Day as one of the most important days of their lives.
Year two will further develop your fine woodworking, boatbuilding, and professional skills through full project management of your second boat restoration. You'll improve and advance your craftsmanship skills and end the year with a robust portfolio of your real-world experience and the pride in knowing you’ve returned two historic wooden yachts to the water during your time at IYRS.
Marine Systems
6 month program | Enrolls in September & March
IYRS School of Technology & Trades offers a Marine Systems certificate program for those aspiring to seamlessly enter the marine industry as a systems technician in just 6 months. In this program, you will learn the theory and technologies of both stand-alone and fully-integrated boat systems and the inner workings of a powerboat down to the most meticulous details. Our 6 month Marine Systems program equips you with the tools and training you need to become an in-demand marine technician. By the conclusion of the course, you'll be prepared to install, repair, and troubleshoot all aspects of a boat’s systems, from engine to electrical to hydraulics to plumbing. Key elements of the program are the build of your own simulation panel that replicates these systems as well as immersion into maintenance and repair of diesel and outboard engines. These program elements, with your one-month industry externship, will prepare you to turn your love of boats into a career as an in-demand marine technician.
Restore A Chris-Craft Runabout
9 month program | Enrolls in September
In partnership with Antique & Classic Boat Society. (ACBS), IYRS School of Technology & Trades is launching a limited-enrollment course for experienced boatbuilders, runabout enthusiasts and enthusiastic amateurs to restore a wooden runabout motorboat to ACBS standards.
This immersive class guides students through every phase of restoration—working hands-on to bring a real wooden runabout back to life.
The runabout restoration program begins with shop safety, tool and machine use. Students will progress from a series of bench projects designed to develop tool-use skills then advance to the frame up restoration of a mahogany runabout motorboat, like Chris-Craft, Gar Wood, Hackercraft and Riva. In addition to the restoration work, the students will survey, document and obtain historical documentation of the vessel. Introductory subjects will include construction methods and terminology, research, project management, materials and classic marine engines.
Following the introductory period, students will restore the boat according to industry standard methods for replacement of bottom, keel, frames, topsides and decks. With woodworking completed, the restoration continues with interior and upholstery, brightwork, varnish and marine finishes, wiring and mechanical systems. Engine and drive train installation is completed and culminates in water testing. While students work on their project, progress is documented with reports and photos.
Yacht Design (non-accredited*)
9 month program | Enrolls in September
IYRS School of Technology & Trades introduces yacht design for those looking to build their design skills while surrounded by a world-renowned sailing destination.
This non-accredited program is ideal for individuals looking to launch a career in the marine industry, with pathways to entry-level roles in yacht design firms and technical design offices.
At IYRS, students learn from experienced design educators, work through a time-tested sequence of professional design projects, and draw upon the resources of one of the nation's premier maritime libraries.
Located in Newport, the Sailing Capital of the World, students are immersed in a community shaped by world-class racing, innovative yacht builders, renowned designers, and a vibrant waterfront economy. The result is a uniquely authentic educational experience that connects design theory with the people, vessels, and industries shaping the future of the marine world.
* IYRS is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Because this is a new program, it has not yet gone through the process of being recognized by our accrediting body. However, we believe in and are so confident in our curriculum that IYRS will match FAFSA-calculated financial need for all eligible students. Additional IYRS scholarship opportunities are also available on a limited basis.
AUGUST 2021 - NEWSWEEK NAMES IYRS SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY & TRADES ONE OF THE BEST MAKER SCHOOLS IN THE WORLD
Newsweek has named IYRS one of the Best Maker Schools in the world for 2021. Winners of this prestigious award are institutions of higher education that have curricula that encourages learning by doing; are supported by educators committed to collaborative problem-solving; have well-developed makerspaces, labs, and studios; and which support diverse, interactive communities that engage in knowledge and skill sharing. The award highlights institutions with innovative programs that demonstrate the ingenuity and community engagement that are hallmarks of the maker movement.