BBA Graduate Millie returns as Machine Shop Manager
by Debbie Granville 14 Jul 23:27 PDT
Millie Macdonald © Boat Building Academy
Boat Building Academy (BBA) graduate Millie Macdonald has returned to the college in Lyme Regis to assume the role of Machine Shop Manager and Technician.
Millie, 35, from Norfolk, was a student on the September 2024 cohort of the 40-week boat building course, which launched its boats into Lyme Regis harbour in June 2025.
As Machine Shop Manager and Technician, Millie is responsible for sourcing, preparing and machining timber for student projects, as well as supporting students throughout the build process.
"When BBA Director Will Reed contacted me about the position, I was absolutely thrilled," she said.
"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," she added.
"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."
Millie enrolled at the BBA after initially entering paramedic training.
During Covid, she and her dad built three canoes and a kayak, and she fell in love with the idea of boat building.
"We toyed with the idea of setting up a business, so my dad suggested I go and train properly. Thanks to the BBA's bursary programme, I was able to join its industry-renowned 40-week course," she said.
During her studies, Millie worked mainly on the 18' Carvel launch Roquaine Belle II.
She said it was a life-changing experience.
"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," she added.
After graduation, Millie decided to take a rather unorthodox route home to Norfolk, solo walking and camping along the Greater Ridgeway, coast to coast, finishing in Burnham Deepdale five and a half weeks and 400 miles later.
"It was a challenging but fantastic experience, which gave me the perfect chance to sit with myself after the intensity of the 40-week course," she said.
"I always hoped I would be able to come back to the BBA in some capacity, so this job is a dream come true.
"My ambition is to become a skilled wooden boat builder, continuing to learn from the wealth of experience and knowledge around me, while helping students develop the confidence and skills they need throughout the course.
"There is so much to learn, and I'm absolutely loving being here with the students and the amazing staff and tutor team - being part of the community that is the BBA family."
Will Reed, Director and Trustee of the BBA said: "Millie was a brilliant student on her 40-week course - good humoured, hardworking, determined, and she soaked up new information like a sponge. We knew she'd be a good fit for the team when the opportunity arose, and we have not been disappointed. Millie has taken to the new role seamlessly. She is incredibly helpful and great to have around."
Will continued: "If you'd like to meet Millie and learn more about the BBA and her journey, please visit us here in Lyme Regis, or come and see us at the Wooden Boat Stage at Southampton Boat Show (September 18-27) where she'll be talking about her experiences on the course and now as part of the team."