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Derek Bothwick

Teaches:
Construction & Built Environment
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I really enjoy passing on my joinery experiences and skills to the students, as well watching them develop into good citizens.

Teaches:
Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship Level 2/3

When did you start working at LMC?
I started in 2006.

What brought you to LMC?
Up until around 2004 I worked in the industry as a joiner and worked all over the world. When I returned to the UK I decided to take up teaching, having worked with and trained over 20 Apprentices during my time in the industry, so I applied for a job at Kendal College. Whilst at Kendal I passed all my teaching qualifications and having heard about the good reputation of LMC, when a vacancy came up for a full time lecturer, I applied straight away.

What did you do prior to working here?
My career as a Joiner first began in the North East, and eventually took me south to London where I started shop fitting. I decided to look further afield and emigrated to New Zealand where I worked as a boat builder. From here I moved around the area including Australia and Hong Kong working for a company who fitted out all the Louis Vuitton shops in the southern hemisphere. Louis Vuitton are still today proud sponsors of the America’s Cup Challenger Series, and the most luxurious shop I fitted for them was a £6 million shop in Auckland, Australia on the harbour side where we had an amazing views of all the yachts taking part in the race.

What is the best thing about the courses you teach?
I really enjoy passing on my joinery experiences and skills to the students, as well watching them develop into good citizens.

What are the best bits about working at College?
Working with the professional staff at here at LMC and watching students achieve and develop. 

What would you say to someone who was thinking about joining your course?
Try and achieve the best grades you can, as a qualified Carpenter or Joiner you will have the opportunity to work anywhere in the world.

ALUMNI