From Self-Doubt to Self-Made: Lessons from a Boat Builder Turned Teacher Amy Stringfellow

Amy Stringfellow is a seasoned boat builder and educator with over 14 years of experience in the marine industry. Initially inspired by her own experiences living aboard and working on boats, Amy pursued formal education at the Marine School in Falmouth. She eventually transitioned into teaching, becoming a program manager and a mentor for aspiring boat builders. Despite facing personal challenges, including a diagnosis of epilepsy, Amy has carved out a niche for herself in both traditional and contemporary boat building techniques. She is passionate about empowering women in trades by offering specialized woodworking courses and contributing to the community through educational initiatives.

Episode Summary:

In this enriching episode of the "She Who Dares Wins" podcast, host Michelle welcomes Amy Stringfellow, a renowned boat builder and educator, to discuss her unique journey of daring to enter a traditionally male-dominated industry and the triumphs she has experienced along the way. Recorded against the scenic backdrop of a campfire, this conversation delves into Amy’s path from living on a boat to becoming an influential teacher and advocate for women in trades. Her story is not only an exploration of personal passion and perseverance but a testament to how women can excel in non-traditional roles.

Amy shares her transition from learning the ropes of boat building in New Zealand back to the UK, where she pursued formal education and eventually a career as a shipwright. Her tale is laden with keywords such as "traditional shipwright," "marine school in Falmouth," "wooden boat building," and "industry in the UK," each reflecting critical stages of her career. She describes the sensory learning experiences, the challenges of working between Cornwall and Devon, and the gratifying shift from being a boat builder to an educational facilitator. Throughout the episode, listeners are provided with rich insights into the importance of versatility in trades, advocacy for women, and the significant life changes influenced by her experience with epilepsy.

Key Takeaways:

• Amy Stringfellow's journey shows the power of perseverance and self-education in forging a career in boat building.
• Despite facing significant health challenges, such as epilepsy, Amy transitioned into teaching to inspire confidence and skills in young people and women.
• Industry knowledge through both traditional and modern techniques is crucial for success in boat building.
• Mentorship and networking, like the women in boat building initiatives, are pivotal in breaking down barriers in male-dominated trades.
• Teaching fosters personal growth and confidence, highlighting the dual engagement of learning and emotional support.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I dared to be a boat builder and I won for a bit."
2. "Teaching now...I think my time in boat building is kind of petered off."
3. "There's no reason why we can't set up a chair for someone with paralysis to use the bandsaw."
4. "When you're governed by the City and Guilds standard from the UK government...there are gaps that aren't geared to get people into being self-employed."
5. "Taking that mystery out of how to use a drill properl

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