Student Profiles

Students come to the college from a variety of backgrounds and for many different reasons. They may be school leavers looking to build a career in boatbuilding, people looking to change their career path or those reaching the end of their career and looking to learn some more practical skills for use in retirement.

The beauty of the college is that there is no typical student, the approach to learning is completely flexible and courses can be tailored to your needs. To quote a recent student “this is more than just a school, it is a community of like minded people helping each other develop the life skills and confidence to follow their dreams”.

Below are a selection of profiles from students, past and present.

Richard first came to the college in 2016 to do a joinery course which he enjoyed so much that he returned to undertake the 47 week boatbuilding course. Richard currently works in theatre and lighting and is studying at the college on a flexible basis fitting the course in around his work commitments.

Sailing and boats have always been a part of Richard’s life and prior to coming to college he spent two years renovating his own boat which he then sailed around France. He has a passion for classic yachts, with a particular affection for Whitstable Oyster Yawls, volunteering with Whitstable Maritime in the restoration of Gamecock, a 42 foot Oyster Yawl. Ultimately Richard would like to pursue a career in boat restoration.

Lucy has had a love of boats all her life and prior to attending college worked as a sail maker in Brightlingsea. She is currently enrolled on the 47 week boatbuilding course which has been made possible for her with a bursary from City and Guilds and funding from the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights and the National Historic Ships Register. 

Lucy is currently living onboard a boat moored at the college and is one of several live aboard students. She is really enjoying the course and the community spirit. Ultimately she would like to return to Essex as a shipwright to work on traditional smacks and barges.

Tony came to the college looking for a change of career and enrolled on the 47 week boatbuilding course. He was employed in a family furniture business and had spent most of his working life in sales. Whilst at the college a part time employment opportunity arose at Ludham boatyard which he enthusiastically accepted and is now working his course around life at the boatyard. Ultimately Tony would like to pursue a career in boat repairs and renovation.

John enrolled at the college in 2012 on the 47 week boatbuilding course. Half way through the year he decided he would prefer to complete the furniture course which did over a period of 18 months.

John had spent all his working life restoring classic racing cars and didn’t really know what to expect from the college. He found the whole experience very inspiring, the staff and students were passionate about what they did, they were very keen to discuss projects and were very supportive. For John the college has been more than just a school, it has been a place to learn life skills and grow confidence.

John is now a full time furniture maker. He comes back to the college occasionally to catch up with old friends and make furniture.

Dominic found out about the college at the Southampton Boatshow and initially enrolled on the 12 week joinery course which he then extended to the 47 week boatbuilding course.

Dominic has a passion for classic boats with a particular love of the Yarmouth Shrimper. Upon leaving college he would like to make a career in boat renovation.

Shaun enrolled at the college to study a flexible, bespoke course, fitting his study around his employment as a lorry driver. He chose the bespoke route as he was not looking to be a boat builder and felt that it would be more appropriate to pick and choose the units that suited him. He began with the 12 week joinery course and has then tailored the rest of his time with the modules that most interested him and fitted with his future plans.

Shaun was a commercial seaman for 14 years and has a love of boats. He is currently living aboard a boat moored at the college and hopes to make a career as a renovator when he has finished his course.

Simon is taking a sabbatical from his career in IT and is enrolled on the 47 week boatbuilding course. He is relishing the chance to do something different and obtain some hands on skills. He is working on building his own boat as part of the course which is a 16 foot motor launch in the design of a Falmouth workboat.

Simon is relishing the woodworking side of the course and would ultimately like to pursue a career in boatbuilding.

Harry first came to the college 20 years ago to undertake a joinery course which he thoroughly enjoyed. He has sailed since the age of 10 and has always loved wood and making furniture. Harry spent his working life as a solicitor but on retirement enrolled at the college again to build his own boat; a 16 foot 9″ single handed Norfolk Punt. He found the experience inspiring and the help from the instructors invaluable.

Harry is an active member of the Norfolk Punt Club and sails his new boat regularly. He also volunteers at the college on a regular basis.