About

The IBTC provides the widest range of boatbuilding training in the world and is internationally recognized for the quality of its graduates. At least 24 craft of varying designs and construction, and ranging from large seagoing yachts to small dinghies, are always being worked on as training projects at any one time.  IBTC students thus gain a wide, and unequalled, range of practical training and experience in both modern and traditional boatbuilding techniques.

The College opened in 1975 and has always concentrated on providing training in boatbuilding and related skills. The great majority of the students the IBTC are those wanting to learn the skills necessary to enter the industry and there are always a few students who want to learn how to build, repair or restore boats simply for their own interest.

IBTC graduates are widely sought after and the College has an excellent work-placement record.

Contained within the site are purpose fitted-out workshops for traditional boatbuilding, together with modern workshops for glassfibre and composites training, joinery and furniture workshops, lecture room, library and administration offices.

The College is very well equipped, with ample space for workbenches, and all the tools and equipment needed for every aspect of boat construction.

Our team of instructors brings to the college a combined experience of 200 years in the boatbuilding industry. Once in the main boat shop students work on different projects each under the guidance of a designated tutor.

The instructor student ratio is 1:12 or better and for the practical survey course it is 1:4.

Our workshops were formerly a commercial boatyard which dates back to the early 1900's fronting onto Lake Lothing, the conduit between the North Sea and the Norfolk Broads network of rivers and Broads.

There is a good variety of rental accommodation in the immediate area, from private house rental to a traditional landlady complete with laundry and meals. Some students opt for living aboard a boat, or a wee caravan, let Gill know what you plan to do and she can give you a price guide. We offer contacts for accommodation and guidance but do not provide accommodation ourselves.