Welcome

The IBTC provides the widest range of traditional boat building training and is internationally recognised.

We have been building boat builders since 1975. Set up originally to supply skilled workers for the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads yards we now have graduates working in and managing yards all over the world.

From day one students will work with their tools on real projects. The highly transferable nature of the skills taught opens opportunities for future careers such as green frame timber construction, furniture making, and many others. If you can build and fit out a classic wooden boat then you will have the joinery skills for a host of other applications.

The eclectic nature of our student group results in an excellent atmosphere with in the college. At adjacent work benches one might have a school leaver, a retired surgeon and a train driver. Each pursuing the course for their own different reasons. As a truely vocational course boatbuilding has something for everyone so long as they have an interest in wood and or classic boats: whether they are embarking on a chosen career, following a heartfelt and long-lived ambition or investing in themselves by retraining and re-skilling with a view to a new life as a craftsman or woman.

Contact Nat or Gill to arrange a visit »

Courses Available

All our courses are very much hands on and practical. We teach you the traditional skills of wooden boatbuilding and restoration using real boats not simulated exercises. Courses range from a single days tailor made tuition to our 47 week full time diploma.

View All Courses »

slideshow image 29slideshow image 2slideshow image 22slideshow image 23slideshow image 12slideshow image 19slideshow image 2slideshow image 9slideshow image 24slideshow image 30slideshow image 29slideshow image 11slideshow image 2slideshow image 3slideshow image 19slideshow image 23slideshow image 30slideshow image 10slideshow image 5slideshow image 20slideshow image 23slideshow image 2slideshow image 17slideshow image 12slideshow image 3slideshow image 23slideshow image 28slideshow image 25slideshow image 1slideshow image 18slideshow image 7slideshow image 9slideshow image 29slideshow image 8slideshow image 16slideshow image 27slideshow image 30slideshow image 3slideshow image 29slideshow image 11slideshow image 7slideshow image 20slideshow image 9slideshow image 22slideshow image 13slideshow image 17slideshow image 13slideshow image 4slideshow image 2slideshow image 4

Students

The IBTC stood out as being the best in terms of variety of work, its standards and as a college it is most well respected amongst existing boat manufacturers.
Paul Langham - course 2009/2010
It's a college but very much a working boat yard as well, there is plenty of variety of real boats to get involved with.
Les Flack - graduated 2009
In my work there is not a minute that passes that is not enjoyed to the fullest.
Roman Barnwell - graduated 2007
The instructors led me to a level I was very proud of and didn't know I could achieve.
Bjørn Ådne Kvalvik - graduated 2005

Latest News