Sunseeker International launches a new training initiative to address a national skills shortage affecting the marine industry. The Sunseeker Skills Academy, developed in partnership with Bournemouth and Poole College, is open to those seeking a career change, offering individuals the opportunity to undertake a fully paid, 12-week intensive boat-building course.
Successful applicants will learn trade skills across five boat building specialisms, comprising carpentry, plumbing, composite bonding, engineering and electrical installations. Following an intensive training programme, students will join colleagues at the Sunseeker Shipyards in Poole to further develop competencies and achieve a nationally recognised qualification over 12 months.
Alex Bowman, Head of Organisational Development at Sunseeker International, commented:
“We’re taking a proactive approach to address the industry-wide challenges in attracting and developing talent. By partnering with Bournemouth and Poole College, we are able to create training programmes that are tailored to teach the skills that we need, in order to expand and evolve the pool of talent that is the lifeblood of our industry. We aim to start 100 new boat builders through our new Skills Academy in 2023, which will complement our existing and award winning apprenticeship programme”.
Phil Sayles, Principal and CEO at Bournemouth and Poole College, added:
“Supporting companies in developing the skilled workforce they need is a key priority for our college. We are delighted to be expanding our work with Sunseeker, a key local business. This initiative will enable the creation of skilled jobs and bring more prosperity to our area”.
The news comes as Sunseeker reveals a 17 per cent increase in hourly pay since 2021 and an ongoing recruitment drive across all trades. In addition, Sunseeker has recently reported a global order book of £600 million and £40 million investment in new product development across the next three years. This includes exciting new model launches such as the recent 100 Yacht and Superhawk 55 and the upcoming Ocean 182 this autumn.
