Situated in the coastal town of Lowestoft, perched on the edge of The Broads, the International Boatbuilding Training College (IBTC) is ideally placed to promote the craft of boatbuilding. With a history of a thriving fishing industry and port spanning many centuries, the town has a rich maritime past.

IBTC offers a variety of boatbuilding/maintenance and woodworking courses suitable for both those looking for a career in the industry as well as individuals wanting to develop existing interests and skills or develop new ones. They offer City & Guilds Level 3 - 2473 Advance Diploma in Boatbuilding and Level 2 – 6706-26 Diploma in Bench Joinery as well as a range of customised courses specific to maritime heritage & traditional boatbuilding. 

IBTC has worked on a number of significant historic vessels including Cutty Sark, Gypsy Moth, Maria (the last lateener 1832) HMS Gannet, HMS Warrior, MTB 102, Lowestoft smack Excelsior, and steam drifter Lydia Eva and is highly experienced in understanding and carrying out a range of conservation requirements. IBTC has also recently involved in various funding applications for skills training projects in partnership with National Historic Ships UK including the Heritage Lottery funded Shipshape Heritage Training Partnership.

What is a Shipshape Network Hub

NHS-UK have partnered with maritime heritage organisations across the UK to act as Shipshape Network Hubs for their region. Hubs are ambassadors that aim to bring businesses and individual vessel projects together. Hubs carry out Network-related projects, supports the sector and helps attract funds, giving advice to Network members.

Download our Hub leaflet for more information.

Hub Services and Activities 

Sharing knowledge and expertise – offering advice and guidance to anyone undertaking conservation projects 

Creating connections – working with organisations across the East of England and the wider Network

Hosting workshops - conservation, boat building, volunteering and training workshops for local projects, companies and vessel owners

Network events - fostering links across the region 

Representing Shipshape East – championing the regions maritime heritage at local and national events

Attracting investment - working with local partners to sustain our maritime heritage 

Get in touch

Contact your Hub to find out more about their activities and services. 

Email your enquiry to IBTC, Lowestoft: Contact form. 

Follow IBTC, Lowestoft on Twitter and Instagram

Visit their website: https://www.ibtc.co.uk/
IBTC Lowestoft workshop