When BBA Director Will Reed contacted me about the position, I was absolutely thrilled. I'd been away from the Academy for nine months after graduating, but I always hoped I'd have the opportunity to come back. Being offered this role felt incredibly special.

My week is divided into three days as Machine Shop Manager and two days as a Technician.I join the students' journey as they enter production, helping them source, purchase and quality check all their timber. The role involves sourcing suitable timber for each project, assessing moisture content and quality, machining stock accurately and safely, and ensuring students have the materials they need at each stage of the build. Good preparation at the beginning makes a huge difference to the finished boat.

I think it helps that I know what it's like to go through the course, and how challenging it can be. It's interesting to see it from the other side, all the intensity and everything going on around you, but without the pressure! I want to make their journey as easy and enjoyable as possible, and I'm excited to be part of a process that creates beautiful wooden boats and new generations of talented boat builders.

I acquired so many skills, from lofting and traditional wooden boat building techniques to steam bending, laminating, timber selection and machining. It gave me a real appreciation for the importance of understanding wood, how different species behave, and how careful preparation at every stage contributes to a beautifully built boat. I also met some amazing people, and I feel extremely lucky to have had our late Tutor Matthew Law for part of the course, until he sadly passed away.