Sunseeker launches skills academy to tackle national skills shortage

By Tom Kilkelly

14 April 2023

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Poole-based yacht manufacturer Sunseeker has launched a new skills academy, The Sunseeker Skills Academy, in an attempt to help tackle the skills shortage in the UK marine industry.

The programme, which was developed in partnership with Poole and Bournemouth college, will offer successful applicants the chance to take a fully paid, intensive 12-week boat-building course.

Participants will learn skills across five boat building specialisms listed as follows: carpentry, plumbing, composite bonding, engineering, and electrical installations. On completion of the 12 week course candidates will further develop their skills at the Sunseeker Shipyards in Poole, on a 12 month course working towards a nationally recognised qualification.

Principal and CEO at Bournemouth and Poole College Phil Sayles said: “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”.

News of the academy comes as part of Sunseekers ongoing recruitment drive, part of which has included a 17 per cent hourly pay rate increase since 2021. Sunseeker employs around 2,000 people and produces approximately 150 boats every year ranging from 38-161 feet with 98 per cent being exported.

Head of organisational development at Sunseeker International Alex Bowman said: “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.”

By Tom Kilkelly

Tom Kilkelly started working as a freelance journalist for The Business Magazine following his graduation from UCL in 2022.

During his studies Tom became very interested in the works of Irish authors including Samuel Beckett and Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan).

His current role as a freelance business reporter is his first exposure to the world of business journalism. Working at TBM has given Tom the chance to really get to grips with the goings-on in the business hive that is the South East.