An expanded programme at Southampton International Boat Show aims to inspire the next generation with hands-on activities, career advice and young industry role models.
The Wooden Boat Stage returns to the Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS) this month with a larger presence and a clear mission: to inspire the next generation of boatbuilders and demonstrate that traditional wooden boatbuilding offers a rewarding and creative career.
Now in its second year, the stage will deliver a busy programme of daily demonstrations, practical sessions, talks and panel discussions, with a particular focus on introducing young people to the skills, people, and career opportunities within the industry.
Belinda Joslin, Founder of Women in Boat Building explained:
"We want to make wooden boatbuilding accessible to young people. We want to make it a visible career, with clearly signposted pathways, and we want young people to know that they are wanted, welcome and needed in traditional wooden boatbuilding yards, colleges, and apprenticeships.
"We have some amazing young role models on the stage throughout the show, talking about their training and their jobs - and showing that boatbuilding is ...