Opportunities for women boat builders growing thanks to the BBA
by Boat Building Academy 17 May 2024 23:31 PDT
Belinda Joslin visited the BBA in March to attend the sailmaking course and spoke of her delight at progress so far, and the continuing mission to promote diversity and inclusion in boatbuilding. She is seen here with the BBA's current female students © Boat Building Academy
A year after implementing its new Diversity and Inclusivity mission, the Boat Building Academy and Furniture School (BBA) in Lyme Regis is seeing encouraging results, with female enrolments rising from zero to 25 per cent on some courses.
Founded in 1997 by naval commander Tim Gedge, the BBA situated on Monmouth Beach is a professional training institution that teaches both modern and traditional boat-building methods.
Will Reed became the Director and Co-Chair of Trustees of the academy in 2019 and made it a priority to increase opportunities for women students, not only at the Boat Building Academy, but also across the wider industry.
Alongside a bursary scheme available to all, a bursary scheme exclusively for women gives access to high-level training and career development opportunities and has already been taken up by six students.
The BBA's flagship 40-week boat-building course, which often provides its graduates with a direct route into some of the country's top boatyards, currently has 25 per cent women and one non-binary person amongst its ranks.
Will explained: "Gender does not dictate what people are capable of doing, or not doing - it should be irrelevant. We are determined to make the BBA a welcome place for all and to have a better balance in the workshops. We are thrilled with the positive results and this success has been boosted considerably by our close and ongoing collaboration with Women in Boatbuilding (WIBB)."
WIBB works to expand the activity and support for women working hands-on in boatbuilding and related industries by working with organisations like the BBA and providing a mix of mentoring, workshops and social opportunities.
Amy Stringfellow, WIBB director, has worked with Will to create the Women's Workshop, a five-day course which she has designed for women to try their hand at woodworking.
Eleven women have taken part in the programme so far with plenty of interest in future courses. Some of the women attending use the course as a taster, and an opportunity to talk to the BBA team about longer courses.
Women in Boatbuilding members already working in the boat building industry are also actively mentoring female BBA students.
BBA Graduate and WIBB Director Dr Obioma Oji has mentored current BBA student Marie Franklin.
Marie said: "It has been a joy for me to be part of the WIBB mentorship scheme. I have been so fortunate as my mentor is a fabulous woman who has taken time to listen to me and had encouraged me in so many ways. It's super inspiring to see how she has developed her boatbuilding and I always look forward to spending time with her and her infinite wisdom."
Founder of WIBB, Belinda Joslin said: "The first time I met Will in 2022 I asked him how many women he had enrolled on his upcoming 40-week boat building course, and he said: "None - and none in the course before it.
"Having worked as a finisher in the industry myself I wasn't surprised by this.
"But I was impressed by Will's determination to change this and his willingness to ask us for help. It's very encouraging to see the progress we have already made through our joint strategy, combined with the inclusive environment that is a priority at BBA. "
She continued: "The BBA should now not only continue to proactively welcome and support women at the academy, but also expand to support BBA graduates when they enter the workforce. We have already seen great results through our own mentoring scheme. I would like to see the BBA form its own graduate mentoring programme.
"The industry continues to be very male dominated, so continuing the right support for women is crucial to retain them in boatbuilding roles. The BBA is forward-thinking enough to see that - done right - this can benefit the entire industry."
For information on the BBA's courses and bursaries please visit: www.boatbuildingacademy.com.