The Boat Building Academy Bursary Scheme
In 2020, the Boat Building Academy was awarded charity status, fulfilling a long-held ambition: to establish the BBA bursary scheme. This initiative supports the next generation of boat builders and furniture makers who might otherwise be unable to fund their training at the academy. Typically, bursary awards cover up to 50% of the course fee, though in exceptionally rare cases, we may offer up to 100% of the course fee and living expenses. To be eligible for a bursary, applicants must be UK citizens.
We also offer several specialized bursaries:
- BBA Bursary for Women – Introduced in February 2023, this bursary proactively affirms that women are not only welcome but highly valued in the industry. It facilitates access to advanced training and career development opportunities.
- BBA Bursary for Lyme Regis Residents – Supporting local talent and encouraging community participation in traditional craft skills.
- BBA Bursary for Dorset Residents – Helping aspiring boat builders and furniture makers from across Dorset pursue professional training.
The Process
If you are interested in the 40-week Boat Building course or the 12-week Furniture Making course and would like to apply for a bursary, please contact us to arrange a meeting with our director and a tour of the academy. An online chat is also available if you are unable to visit in person. Following this and confirmation of your eligibility, we will arrange a video conference with our director and at least one trustee to discuss your bursary application. All applications are then reviewed by the trustees, who decide which bursary places to award.
For our Short Courses, you can download the Short Courses Bursary Application Form and email it to office@boatbuildingacademy.com. If your application meets the eligibility criteria, you will be invited to chat to the director via video conference. Following the interview, the trustees will review your application and decide whether to award a bursary and the amount to be granted.
The number of bursaries available each financial year, as well as the level of funding, will influence both the success of applications and the amount awarded to each recipient.
Deadlines
Applications must be submitted by the deadline; late submissions may not be considered.
40-week Boat Building
- 30th November for the February course.
- 30th April for the September course.
12-week Furniture Making
- 15th October for the January course.
- 15th February for the May course.
- 15th June for the September course.
Short Courses
- 4 weeks before the start of the course.
Additional Funding
If you need extra financial support for your boat building course, the Boat Building Academy can, after a conversation with our director, guide you to relevant organisations and grant-giving bodies that may be able to provide assistance.
