At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to build quality boats using fibreglass and composite materials.
- Company: Hooker Boats, a passionate boat-building company in Cairns.
- Benefits: $38–$45 per hour, full-time role, and a great lifestyle in Cairns.
- Other info: Apprentice opportunity available for those eager to learn the trade.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact by crafting boats you can see and use.
- Qualifications: Experience in fibreglass laminating and a strong work ethic required.
The predicted salary is between 45 - 45 $ per hour.
Fibreglass Laminator – Come Build Something Awesome with Hooker Boats!
Hooker Boats is looking for an experienced Fibreglass Laminator to join our team in Cairns. We build quality boats, and we’re looking for someone who knows that fibreglass isn't just something you “have a go at” after watching a five-minute YouTube video!
If you have solid experience in fibreglass boat building, know how to get the best out of a gelcoat spray gun and fibreglass chopper gun, and take pride in producing a quality finish, you could be exactly who we’re looking for.
About the Role
This is a full-time position working as part of the Hooker Boats manufacturing team. You’ll be involved in the production of our boats from the ground up, working with fibreglass, resins and composite materials to help create strong, quality finished boats that are built for the water.
Key Responsibilities
- Fibreglass laminating and composite boat building
- Applying gelcoat using a gelcoat spray gun
- Operating a fibreglass chopper gun applicator
- Preparing moulds and surfaces for production
- Cutting, fitting and applying fibreglass materials
- Mixing and working with resins and composite materials
- Ensuring laminates meet required quality and strength standards
- Maintaining a clean, organised and safe work area
- Working efficiently to production schedules
- Working as part of a team to produce high-quality Hooker Boats
What We’re Looking For
Experience is essential. We’re looking for someone who:
- Has proven experience as a fibreglass laminator, preferably within boat building or composites
- Is experienced using gelcoat spray guns and fibreglass chopper guns
- Understands fibreglass, resin systems and composite manufacturing
- Takes pride in their workmanship and attention to detail
- Can work independently while also being a team player
- Has a good work ethic and reliable attitude
- Is safety conscious
- Can work efficiently in a production environment
- Isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty!
What’s On Offer
- $38–$45 per hour, depending on skill and experience
- Full-time employment
- Work with an established and passionate boat-building team
- The opportunity to build some seriously good boats
- A hands-on role where your skills actually make something you can see, touch and eventually take fishing!
- Cairns location and a great lifestyle outside of work
Apprentice Opportunity – Composite Technician Certificate III
Want to get into the boat-building industry? Hooker Boats also has an opportunity available for an Apprentice Composite Technician – Certificate III in Technical Composites. If you’re mechanically minded, practical, keen to learn and would rather build something with your hands than spend all day behind a desk, this could be your opportunity to start a career in the composites and marine industry.
You’ll learn the skills involved in composite manufacturing and boat construction while working alongside experienced tradespeople and becoming part of the Hooker Boats team. No previous fibreglass experience? That’s okay for the apprentice position — we’re looking for the right attitude, willingness to learn and someone who is ready to get stuck in.
Why Hooker Boats?
At Hooker Boats, we don’t just build boats — we build them properly. We’re a hands-on team that takes pride in what we produce. You’ll be working alongside people who know their stuff, in an environment where hard work, a good attitude and a bit of humour are appreciated.
If you’re an experienced laminator looking for your next opportunity — or you’re ready to start your career in composites — we’d love to hear from you. Think you’ve got what it takes? Bring your skills, your work ethic and your sense of humour. We’ll supply the fibreglass.
Boat Builder employer: Hooker Boats NQ Pty Ltd
At Hooker Boats, we pride ourselves on our strong team culture and commitment to quality craftsmanship in boat building. Located in the beautiful Cairns, our employees enjoy a hands-on role where their skills contribute to creating exceptional boats, alongside passionate colleagues who value hard work and camaraderie. With competitive pay, full-time employment, and opportunities for apprenticeships, we offer a rewarding environment for both experienced laminators and those looking to start their careers in the marine industry.
