A NEW skills academy has been launched to help tackle a national skills shortage affecting the marine industry.

The Sunseeker Skills Academy, developed in partnership with Bournemouth and Poole College, is 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, 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.”

Bournemouth Echo: Sunseeker factory at Poole Quay.Sunseeker factory at Poole Quay. (Image: Richard Crease)

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.

From its manufacturing base in Poole, Sunseeker employs around 2,000 people and produces approximately 150 boats every year ranging from 38-161 feet with 98 per cent being exported.

Poole is also the home to Sunseeker’s dedicated design & technology centre, a facility which vertically integrates every detail of the yachts from the initial concept designs through to the finishing details including furniture, complex electrical systems, helm consoles and soft furnishings.

Visit sunseeker.com/careers for more information about the new initiative.