- info@ibtc.co.uk
David Copp from Norfolk
graduated 2009
Some of the work has been unexpectedly complicated... but that is life.
I am just coming to the end of my year's course at IBTC. It's been both enjoyable and instructive and has given me confidence to go out and offer my services as a boat builder to the general public.
I was one of the oldest students in my group and 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.
I had previously spent 35 years, good years, working as a patent attorney in a private practice, much of the time running a business which employed about 15 people. At the age of 56, I found myself in the position where I didn't have to worry about my family who were all capable of looking after themselves, and so I was able to do just what I wanted to do - which was doing something with my hands, something creative, and learning how to build and repair wooden boats definitely fitted the bill. I have always been a sailor and been very involved with boats of various sizes and types. I had also done a significant amount of woodworking, but without any formal training.
It took me a couple of years to pluck up the courage to take the plunge and leave my professional practice. I visited other boatbuilding training colleges, but IBTC was clearly the one which was most impressive and which seemed to offer the sort of training I was hoping to get. A big variety of boats, some inspiringly big and others of a more familiar and hand able size and the feel of a working boatyard.
So, is it what I had expected? Yes. Some of the work has been unexpectedly complicated; such as fitting a plank into a clinker hull, and some very mundane; like fairing off the outside of a carvel hull. But that is life. All jobs have tedious aspects which nevertheless have to be completed and at IBTC, we have seen a broad range of the jobs which have to be done in a boatyard especially a yard dealing with wooden boats.
One thing that surprised me was how few of my fellow students had a sailing/boating background. For these people I guess it was an interesting and out-of-the-ordinary career option.
At this time, I think that 3 out of our group of 11 have gone into employment in the industry. Five have still to finish. The market for those hoping to secure employment in a boatyard is not buoyant so it would be wrong to think that an IBTC qualification is an instant passport to full-time employment, but it does give you confidence and demonstrates a commitment to the industry and a level of knowledge.