About us

We launched the charity in 2023 to fundraise for bursaries in order to enable students at The International Boatbuilding Training College (IBTC) to receive the highest quality training in traditional and modern boatbuilding, joinery and heritage skills that meets the requirements, expectations and aspirations of both individuals and industry.

Our charity works in partnership with IBTC and is run by volunteer trustees with minimal overheads to enable as much of our donations to go where they are needed-the bursaries for students looking to train as boatbuilders.

The longer term aim of he charity is to take full responsibility for operating the college..

Contributing to the bursary fund

Funding towards the student bursary fund is one of the most effective ways of helping provide an opportunity for prospective students who may be excluded due to course costs. Please contact us to discuss.

How you can support us

One off or regular donation

A one off or regular donation helps us to continue developing essential aspects with the college and partner organisations such as developing new courses and engage with and support heritage skills training initiatives.

Donating time and expertise

We recognise that effective development happens when people pool their skills together. As such, if you have any expertise that you believe would be beneficial to the evolution of the charity then we would love to hear from you.

Meet some of the IBTC Students.

  • Sam

    Sam joined the college for the 1 year course in 2022. He showed real aptitude for joinery and boatbuilding. He is currently restoring his Stella class yacht which he is looking forward to sailing soon.

  • Heather

    Heather started her boatbuilding journey as a career changer, quickly proving she had a real eye for detail and producing quality work. She completed the 1 year course in 2024 and is currently working in a busy yard on wooden restorations.

  • Tom

    Tom started in the same intake as Sam in 2022. He quickly showed a real passion for wooden boatbuilding and is working alongside his Dad on some amazing projects at the eastern end of the River Thames.

  • To note:

    These students enrolled prior to the charity being founded-but is here to illustrate a typical intake