FAQs

We hope the information below answers any questions you may have about joining a course at the Boat Building Academy.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like further information.

How many students are there on each long course?

We accept a maximum of 18 students on each long course, up to 10 on the Woodworking Skills course and up to 12 on short courses (although classes are usually smaller).  The practical nature of our courses demand that there is a high instructor:student ratio, usually 1:9 for a minimum forty hours per week contact time.

How much are the fees?

For the current fee level and details on what the fee includes please speak to Janine Cashin on +44 (0)1297 445545 or email office@boatbuildingacademy.com or enquire via the website from the contact page.

What qualifications do I need?

Motivation, enthusiasm and the willingness to pursue the highest standards are far more important than academic qualifications or previous experience. All candidates for the longer courses are interviewed by Yvonne Green, the Principal, to assess their suitability for the course.

Is there an age limit?

There is no upper age limit.  Our training is suitable for people changing career in mid-life or wanting to build a boat for their retirement, as well as younger people who want a career in the marine industry. This gives the courses a great mix of age and experience.  While we will occasionally accept an exceptional 17 year old we do not as a rule accept students under the age of 18.

What do the course fees cover?

The course fees cover materials and the use of tools needed to complete the course in addition to all City & Guilds registrations. The fees do not cover accommodation or the material cost of building a boat or piece of furniture

What funding can I apply for?

If you wish to join the 40 week boat building course we strongly suggest that before applying for any funding you visit us and discuss why you want to come on the course and what you hope to do on graduation. When you do look for funding an Educational Grants Search helps find grants for which you satisfy the application criteria, City & Guilds offer a limited number of bursaries, government supported information, advice and guidance services are at gov.uk or or telephone the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900.  If you are resident outside the UK you should look at funding options in your country of origin.

Is there accommodation at the Academy?

There are twelve single study bedrooms available to students, which are complemented by self catering and laundry facilities. They are reserved on a ‘first come, first served’ basis as people confirm their place on the course.  The accommodation is basic but reasonably priced and enables students to live and work in a stunning location.  If the in-house accommodation is fully booked we help students find reasonably priced accommodation in Lyme Regis through our network of local contacts.

Do I need my own tools?

If you already own tools that you would like to bring please do, but we advise people not to purchase tools in advance of the course because:

  1. While at the Academy you will have the opportunity to try a range of tools and decide which are appropriate for you
  2. Instructors will advise on tool selection and use as part of the course
  3. The Boat Building Academy has discounts with local suppliers that are passed on to you
  4. There are some excellent local second-hand tool suppliers

You will be issued with a fully equipped tool box to use for the duration of the course.  We expect that those people who want to enter the marine industry after the course will build up a personal set of tools while they are here.

How do I apply to come on the course?

If you are applying for the 40 week ‘long’ course or the 12 week ‘Woodworking Skills’ course we ask that you send in your cv before coming to the Academy for interview.  As part of the interview you will be given a tour of the workshops and the opportunity to meet staff and students.  You will discuss your requirements of the course and beyond with Yvonne, our Principal.  While we will make special arrangements if people can only visit at a weekend it is not ideal as the workshops are not fully operational.  We conduct telephone interviews for potential students who cannot visit.   Short course students are welcome to visit the Academy but do not need to go through the interview process in order to enrol on a course.