In order to train the next generation of marine engineers as well as yacht builders, BMF member, Sunseeker International is helping Bournemouth & Poole College launch a new venture into Marine Apprenticeships as well as training.
Luxury charter yacht Black and White by Sunseeker
Sunseeker International has chosen The Bournemouth & Poole College as its education partner for the new Marine Technology Centre at its Poole campuses in Dorset. The College will open a new Marine Technology Centre by this September.
There will be upwards of 70 places for Sunseeker apprentices and capacity for over 250 at the new dedicated marine training facility, which will cover all aspects of the industry at both a craft and higher technical level.
Sunseeker says that to maintain its reputation and position as a world leader in luxury motor yacht design and manufacture, it needs to encourage the honing of high level skills in marine engineering and boat building. That’s where Bournemouth & Poole College comes in.
Alex Bowman, Sunseeker Training Manager, explained the philosophy behind the partnership: “If we are to continue to compete in a global market, our workforce needs to be higher skilled than our competitors. It’s as simple as that. We believe a link with Bournemouth & Poole College will help us ensure that we continue to grow and develop the education and training our apprentices receive both at a craft and a higher technical level.
“This new partnership also shows Sunseeker’s commitment to the local community and the training of a new generation of boat builders.”
Although the bulk of funding for the project is through Bournemouth & Poole College, Sunseeker is sourcing essential equipment from its own supply chain to train apprentice engineers and boat builders.
Already Cummins Onan has agreed to supply a marine generator and Southampton-based CJR Propulsion is supplying boat propellers and shafts.
The Bournemouth & Poole College is funding the new centre with an investment of £250,000. They are also recruiting marine specialists to deliver the training in addition to support from Sunseeker.
Sarah Dhanda, Director of Business Development at the British Marine Federation said: “BMF is delighted to support Sunseeker in the development of its Apprenticeships and other training programmes. We work with our members to highlight the benefits that apprentices can bring to employers of all sizes. Bournemouth & Poole College’s continuing development of facilities for Marine training is good news for Marine companies in Dorset and beyond.”
Principal, Lawrence Vincent will unveil the new Marine Technology Centre in August. Existing Sunseeker apprentices, as well as new recruits, will get the centre off to a flying start.
Said Mr Vincent: “This is a real coup for The College. With Sunseeker’s help we can give a unique learning experience to so many enthusiastic students, plus the prospect of a long term career in the leisure marine sector at the end of it.
Moving into marine engineering is a natural extension of The College’s core areas of expertise as the places planned for the new Marine Technology Centre will cover all aspects of the leisure marine industry sector, from marine mechanical and electrical engineering, to traditional boat building carpentry.
Sunseeker International, which employs just over 2,200 at its seven manufacturing centres in Dorset, has been a global brand for more than five decades. Ninety nine per cent of its motor yachts are exported, making Sunseeker an important contributor to the Dorset economy and a major local employer in Poole.
The Bournemouth & Poole College is a large further education college with an Ofsted Grade 2 (good), with outstanding elements in employer engagement, and an excellent reputation for delivering training and Apprenticeships to local businesses.
