Regional insolvency and business recovery specialists McTear Williams & Wood said IBTC Limited – the company trading as International Boatbuilding Training College – will close its door with effect from 20 December 2024.

It will see 11 staff being made redundant at the college at Oulton Broad with its assets being sold off in the new year.

In a statement directors Lyn and Mike Tupper blamed the closure on negative economic events such as Brexit, Covid and the Ukraine war and also a shift in what constitutes “quality training” and falling student numbers.  Based on the edge of The Broads since 1975 at Sea Lake Road, Oulton Broad in Lowestoft, IBTC has ensured that traditional boatbuilding skills have been preserved for almost 50 years.  In a statement on its Facebook page, directors Lyn and Mike Supper said: “It is with immense sorrow that we announce the closure of the international Boatbuilding Training College Lowestoft (IBTC).

“Following 50 years of training people in the craft of traditional boatbuilding and joinery we will close the doors for a final time on Friday, December 20.”  They said the “difficult decision” had been made after a series of negative economic events alongside a “continued shift in perception of what constitutes quality training” in the UK.  These events include Brexit, Covid and the Ukraine war,” they said.  “All have had an impact on material costs and general overheads; this, linked with falling student numbers leaves the college economically unviable.

“IBTC has long been recognised as the UK’s premier boatbuilding college offering the most comprehensive syllabus in traditional boatbuilding available.  This has been achieved through operating a ‘true to life’ boatyard with a range of 20 plus boat projects for students to train on.  A unique training environment where the syllabus is expertly delivered by time served boatbuilders and joiners with an amassed experience of over 150 years.”

Admitting these factors were so important “in delivering quality training” they said learning traditional  boatbuilding and joinery “is about apply a good deal of skill to a wide range of technial processes.  This broad approach of understanding as much of a subject as possible even if it is not of an official syllabus, results in the development of the highest quality crafts people possible.  We call this approach to training ‘teaching in the round’ a process that cannot be shortcut.  Unfortunately we live in an economy that demands shortcuts and demands cost savings at the expense of quality.  We as a nation are accepting mediocrity and more worringly we are mistaking this mediocity for quality.  The national loss of skills and high-quality skills training in the artisan sector are deeply concerning.”

They thanked their “amazing students” and paid tribute “to a group of brilliant instructors and staff whose experience, knowledge, expertise and patience have changed so many lives for the better.”

www.edp24.co.uk
20 December 2024