- info@ibtc.co.uk
Paul Langham
from Yorkshire
course 2009/2010
The IBTC is there to help you grow into the boatbuilder that is in all of us with an interest and passion.
In a few weeks I will have completed my first stage to becoming a boatbuilder as my twelve week joinery course is nearing completion. Joinery comes before boatbuilding to give you the skills necessary with the various woodworking tools. The feeling of completing joinery is great, I have my mahogany tool chest which if I’m honest I may never dare use as I don’t want to scratch it! Various joints all executed with precision and some hand crafted tools which I know will last a life time and will be used with pride.
Studying in a group with several other students is as you would expect great fun at times and the beauty is for the most part everyone is here with the same common goal, which is to deliver good results. At the age of 24 and having a varied working background honing my various skills on this course seemed like the most natural thing to do and ever since starting I haven’t looked back
I feel that the course at the IBTC offers me the best insight and knowledge for a long-term career in boatbuilding and any other wood related industry. Wood as we all know is a wonderful and versatile material which when treated with the care it deserves results in uniqueness every time. The IBTC is there to help you grow into the boatbuilder that is in all of us with an interest and passion. And without a doubt, the course gives you a better understanding and practical ability to use wood to its full potential.
Having 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.
After beginning I quickly realised that the accommodating family feel of the college makes for an enjoyable and comfortable studying environment. The high levels of support, attention to detail and individual attention is in no way lacking and as far as recommending it to others, I fully recommend any individual from any background to have a serious thing about enrolling on a course here. I know the experience will last with me for a lifetime and that makes it worth every penny.