International Boatbuilding Training College - Lowestoft

An amazing place

Professionally run college teaching boatbuilding with the traditional wooden technology and also the modern materials like FRP. The faculty is quite experienced. A yard nearby plus the faculty's own professional experience puts things in better practical perspective compared to pure academic knowledge often found in other vocational institutes. Decent parking available nearby. Walking distance from town centre.

I have just completed the full course, and cannot recommend it enough to anyone interested. The instructors and staff really give everything to this place, amd have a limitless depth of knowledge and experience. If you are looking to get into the industry or just to learn some amazing skills in great company, then do it!

I have attended IBTC Lowestoft for both short courses in Boat Painting and Varnishing and Glass Reinforced Plastics (GRP) Repairs. I returned to the college for its community feel and eclectic range of short courses available for external students interested in gaining further skills in marine maintenance. The course contents are heavily 'hands on' practical teachings of correct techniques used in painting and varnishing boat exterior and interiors to a high-quality finish.The intensive practical GRP Repair Course covers two types of common repair procedures on Fibre Glass boats. Learning to mould and lay up a 'mock' GRP bow section and simulating damage to learn the stages of carrying out two different types of repair using resin, gel coats and glass fibre to a professional finish. Very enjoyable and hands on, giving you the confidence to tackle GRP Repairs with no previous experience!Friendly and knowledgeable instructors who cater for each individual students levels and needs. All painting varnishing and GRP materials, tools and course notes provided. Would highly recommend to develop transferable practical skills and interest in boat building and maintenance - feel like I can go paint and fix a boat now!