- info@ibtc.co.uk
The courses that we offer are open to people of all ages and capabilities. As all courses are based on individual learning programs, there is a huge amount of leeway available for each course, whether it is a group course, or for the individual with specific requirements.
Our students range in background from nuclear physicist to school leaver, and everything in between, so our starting assumption is absolute basics, and build from that. Those who have skills will fly through the initial stages much faster giving them far more time and experience on the wide array of craft that we have on site.
We used to hold aptitude tests for all of our potential students, but have found that these where not tailored to what we can offer. We are confident that we can train almost anyone who has the motivation to learn. Research has shown that our previous tests would not have identified those whom we could not help. And motivation is what we are all about; if you have it, we will give what you want.
Eligibility
No previous experience required, though if you have a boating/joinery background, your initial training will be much faster. We pride ourselves in being able to train anyone who has the motivation to succeed. As such we can and have trained people with absolutely no previous experience in boatbuilding, many of whom now hold down good jobs or run their own yards.
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David Copp from Norfolk - graduated 2009I visited other boatbuilding training colleges, IBTC was clearly the one which was most impressive and which offered the sort of training I was hoping to get. A variety of boats, some inspiringly big and others of a more familiar and hand able size and the feel of a working boatyard.
I really enjoyed the company of the other students who are of varying ages and different backgrounds; we can always all learn from each other.
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Roman Barnwell from USA - graduated 2007I was at the University of Montana finishing my degree preparing for a 'professional life.' If you look at my papers spanning my last two years you would see very few notes and drawings of boats all along the margins. After University I decided to follow my instincts and pursue a life surrounded by wooden boats. In my work there is not a minute that passes that is not enjoyed to the fullest.
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Les Flack from Essex - graduated 2009It's a college but very much a working boat yard as well, there is plenty of variety of real boats to get involved with. I now have real hand skills and a good understanding of traditional boat construction, and a thirst to learn a whole lot more.
Sure I earned more money in IT but I find it a lot more satisfying taking delivery of an old telegraph pole and turning it into a 30 foot mast.
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Bjørn Ådne Kvalvik from Norway - graduated 2005I have achieved a lot at the IBTC. As for boatbuilding and woodworking it was great to see that even with my lack of experience, the instructors led me to a level I was very proud of and didn't know I could achieve.
You will meet people who have the same passion as you, and instructors who will help you make this course just as good as you want it to be.
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Paul Langham from Yorkshire - course 2009/2010Having looked at many other colleges here in the UK and worldwide, even as far as New Zealand 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.
The tuition is always of a high standard and I find the direction we get as students helps us reach the high standards we set for ourselves.
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Roland Mann from Suffolk - course 2009/2010My first recommendation to anyone interested in boatbuilding is to come and visit the IBTC. I remember very clearly looking round the college in July 2009, and at the end of my visit, I bumped into Ian, the joinery instructor. He said, "So, do you like what you see?" What a good question, which pointed exactly in the right direction - what did I feel about the place? The answer was "Yes", and here I am; and I like it even more now. A visit answers a thousand questions.