Perry Salak

Mohamed Farah

Chee Yang

Since UBI’s early days, we have dreamed of running an apprenticeship program for youth interested in the construction trades.  In February 2003, that dream became a reality, as we accepted applications from five students to help with the construction of a 25-foot launch.  In a few months, the hull was complete, and our first apprentices hoisted that boat through our front window, which had been removed, of course, for this purpose.

Now, four years and 33 apprentices later, we have learned a lot about what makes for a successful apprenticeship. Producing attractive, functional wooden boats is only one measure of success, but a powerful one. Building a wooden boat is an excellent activity for applying basic and advanced building skills, for learning how to work cooperatively, and for fostering a sense of capability among youth.

Apprentices are engaged in every step of the boatbuilding process, from interpreting the plans to fastening the last plank to paddling the boat for the very first time.  Our apprenticeships are designed to teach and apply skills in a workplace-like environment.  Similar to what they will face in "real world" employment, any student who wishes to become a UBI apprentice has to complete an application and an interview.  Our apprentices are expected to conduct themselves much like they would in the workplace -- they must show up on time, call if they are going to be absent or late, follow directions, observe shop rules, complete timesheets, and manage other responsibilities just like any other job.

2007 Apprentice Log

Perry Salak Lead Apprentice. 8 Months Experience.

During my 8 months as an Apprentice at Urban Boatbuilders, I've focused on traditional lapstrake, skin-on-frame, and stitch & glue construction including mold-making, spiling, planking, clench nailing, steam-bending, riveting, brace fabrication, scale drawing interpretation, measurement, dowelling, lashing, tool-making, fiberglassing, and basic hand-tool joinery. I've also made oars and paddles. During my 8 months here I've learned and developed skills that help me prepare for the work place.

I would like to say that while I've been here I've got along with all the apprentices that worked here, and most of all I would like to thank Phil for being a good boss. He is reliable, helpful, fun to be around, he's hard working, and most of all he is very very nice and never argues with us - he's very reasonable. He helps us whenever we need help, he understands us apprentices very well, he's respectful, honest, fair, but basically Phil is like the best person you could ever meet.

When we're not making boats, we're either doing community service/clean up (what I mean by this is that we go around the lakes/rivers that we explore and clean them up as much as we can) or we're out having fun by paddling on different lakes and rivers. We've been on Lake Phalen, Lake Harriet , and the Mississippi River with row-boats, canoes, and kayaks. We have also tried to sell boats we've built at demos on the lake.

One of the major events we do once a year is take an 80 mile trip down the Mississippi River. It's 5 days long. Some of the things we do on this trip are paddling through the locks, and camping on sandy islands, fishing, visiting historical places, and learning facts about the Mississippi River. We also meet new people and most importantly just basically have fun. Speaking from personal experience, I think that once you get in a boat or canoe or kayak, it's like your getting into a whole different world. It's like you forget about everything around you and you become one with the boat. What makes it fun is seeing how fast you can go without flipping over, and when you do flip over its fun. What makes it challenging is when you're under water your have to hurry up and get out the boat before you run out of breath. It's fun when all your adrenaline starts rushing, trying to get to the surface without drowing. I had fun practicing this again and again on Lake Harriet before our long trip so that if we were fliped by a wave or something, we'd know how to get out of the boat safely. Of course, make sure you wear a life jacket at all times for your safety. (March, 2007)

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Mohamed A. Farah Lead Apprentice, 7 months experience

Since I have been here at Urban Boatbuilders I have gained so much experience and I hope to carry it for the rest of my life. I remember the first day I came to Urban Boatbuilders, I asked myself, “How am I going to build something with no building skills?” It was so hard to believe that I was actually building something, because back home (Nairobi) if you are thinking of building something, you have to watch an experienced person do the job and it takes a long time for the teacher to trust you. Coming here was totally different because although Phil gave us guidance, we did the job. He reminded us often that we were building something that a human’s life depends on, so we need to be careful. That was a big thing for me because he trusted me. Since time has passed, I found out that I was actually good at it, and I’ve learned to trust myself.

I have taken part in many projects using on traditional lapstrake, skin-on- frame, and stitch &glue construction. I’ve built two16-foot skin-on-frame canoes, a 16-foot stitch and glue kayak, two pairs of spoon bladed oars, and an Algonquin canoe paddle. I’ve made molds, steam-bent ribs and gunwales, learned to measure accurately, to dowel, to lash, and to fiber-glass. (March 2007)

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Jerome Lengsfeld ShopApprentice, 7 months experience

Ah! The good times at Urban Boatbuilders. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. I was one of the lucky, yet so unlucky apprentices to go on the Mississippi River Passage last year, and be pulled over by the Wisconsin DNR because we didn't have proper tags on our boats. The good thing though was that we didn't get any tickets just a good old slap on the wrist and a stern warning. It was an exciting experience though, a once in a lifetime experience that you will never forget!

As an apprentice here at Urban Boatbuilders I have learned very valuable skills not only pertaining to craftsmanship, but everyday life skills as well. Some craftsmanship skills I have learned are: Reading and understanding blueprints, using various craft tools such as bevel gauges, chisels, spoke shaves, and most power tools. I have also learned about different types of fasteners and adhesives, such as clench nailing, riveting, epoxy, and wood glue. Also I learned how to varnish, paint and even oil boats to give them their final touch.

Among learning craftsman skills I have learned life skills as well. I have for one learned how to be a leader, something which I knew I had in me but never had confidence to actually let it out. Well I learned how to be more confident in my work as well as in myself. I also learned how to work in a team and be one with the team. The most important thing I learned though was how to accept mistakes, as mistakes and not kick myself in the butt for them, and call myself a total failure. I am also proud to say that Phil Winger has been one of the greatest bosses and friends I have ever had.

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