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Discover more from Sunseeker Apprenticeships.

Using the United Kingdom’s Apprenticeship Standards, Sunseeker recruits apprentices onto a four-year training programme which delivers c.1,250 training hours at a specialist Marina Training Centre at Bournemouth and Poole College. Each apprentice is paired with a highly qualified mentor in their chosen trade, completing c. 6,000 hours of practical training. 

There is a choice of four technical pathways: Composites, Carpentry and Joinery, Marine Mechanical Engineering, and Marine Electrical Engineering. Apprentices move through the various production stages of boat building over four years, culminating in a new independent end-point assessment with the membership organisation for the leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry, British Marine.

MARINE MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Level 3 Apprenticeship. 4 Year Training Contract

As a Marine Engineer, you will gain hands‑on experience installing a wide range of mechanical, hydraulic, and stabilisation systems. You’ll work to precise tolerances while fitting engines, gearboxes, propulsion systems, fuel systems, and all associated components. Throughout your training, you will develop strong foundational engineering skills and exceptional team‑working abilities across multiple trades. Working alongside experienced professionals, you’ll help build engine rooms that set a world‑class standard for quality and performance.

Example responsibilities include:

  • Installing engines, gearboxes, and generators
  • Fitting prop shafts and steering systems
  • Installing hydraulic systems
  • Installing fire suppression systems
  • Preparing and fitting engines from multiple manufacturers
  • Vessel stabilisation systems
  • Installing fuel systems for engines and generators
  • Installing cooling systems for engines and generators
  • Interpreting drawings and client specifications
  • General housekeeping and application of LEAN manufacturing tools such as 5S

Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs 9 - 4, or equivalent, or a level 2 vocational qualification in a related subject

Salary: £7.85 per hour in year one, rising to £15.55 upon completion of training

Employment Type: 4-year fixed term training contract

Working Hours: 7:00am to 3:30pm (five days a week)

College Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm (block release - full week of study)

Working Location: Sunseeker Shipyards, New Quay Road, Poole, BH15 4AB

Apply for a Sunseeker apprenticeship

 

MARINE ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Level 3 Apprenticeship. 4 Year Training Contract

As a Marine Electrician, you will learn to install a wide range of electrical systems, including lighting and switching, audio visual equipment, full engine room electrical installation, power distribution and management across both AC and DC circuits. You will also work with navigation and radio systems essential to the safe operation of our vessels. Throughout your training, you will develop strong foundational electrical skills and excellent team working abilities across multiple trades. Working alongside experienced professionals, you’ll help build vessels that meet a world class standard for quality and performance.

Example responsibilities include:

  • Installing cable management and containment systems
  • Routing a wide variety of cable looms throughout the vessel
  • Wiring and installing a range of electrical systems
  • Installing AC, DC, navigation, and audio-visual systems
  • Inspecting and testing installed circuits and components
  • Interpreting drawings and client specifications
  • General housekeeping and application of LEAN manufacturing tools such as 5S

 

Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs 9 - 4, or equivalent, or a level 2 vocational qualification in a related subject

Salary: £7.85 per hour in year one, rising to £15.55 upon completion of training

Employment Type: 4-year fixed term training contract

Working Hours: 7:00am to 3:30pm (five days a week)

College Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm (block release - full week of study)

Working Location: Sunseeker Shipyards, New Quay Road, Poole, BH15 4AB

Apply for a Sunseeker apprenticeship

 

BOAT BUILDER - WOOD PATHWAY

Level 3 Apprenticeship. 4 Year Training Contract

As a Carpentry Boatbuilder, you will develop and refine traditional joinery skills used to fit out high‑quality vessels. Your work will involve installing essential interior components including galleys, cabins, and ensuites. Throughout the role, you’ll build strong carpentry abilities that contribute directly to the craftsmanship and reputation of our brand. Throughout your training, you will develop strong foundational carpentry skills and excellent team working abilities across multiple trades. Working alongside experienced professionals, you’ll help build vessels that meet a world class standard for quality and performance.

Example responsibilities include:

  • Installing intermediate bulkheads and flooring panels
  • Fitting and laminating a wide range of supporting plywood pads
  • Installing cabin furniture in areas such as dining spaces, saloons, and accommodation areas
  • Completing full ensuite installations, including tiling
  • Fitting custom upholstered or sprayed ceiling and window band features
  • Working with veneers, solid timber, and spray-finished panels
  • Interpreting drawings and client specifications
  • General housekeeping and application of LEAN manufacturing tools such as 5S

 

Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs 9 - 4 or equivalent, or a level 2 vocational qualification in a related subject

Salary: £7.85 per hour in year one, rising to £15.55 upon completion of training

Employment Type: 4-year fixed term training contract

Working Hours: 7:00am to 3:30pm (five days a week)

College Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm (block release - full week of study)

Working Location: Sunseeker Shipyards, New Quay Road, Poole, BH15 4AB

Apply for a Sunseeker apprenticeship

 

COMPOSITES MANUFACTURING

Level 2 Apprenticeship. 24 Month Training Contract

As a Composite Laminator, you will contribute to the production of composite components made from Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP). You’ll work on a wide range of moulds - from large structures such as hulls and decks to smaller components - developing both traditional wet‑lay‑up techniques and advanced GRP infusion methods. This is a hands‑on, physically demanding, team‑focused position, ideal for individuals seeking practical, labour-intensive work within a supportive manufacturing environment. Throughout your training, you will develop strong foundational composite skills and excellent team working abilities across multiple trades. Working alongside experienced professionals, you’ll help build vessels that meet a world class standard for quality and performance.

Example responsibilities include:

  • Carrying out wet lay-up laminating using a variety of raw materials
  • Working with infusion and pre preg composite processes
  • Installing structural stiffeners and bulkheads
  • Fitting and bonding engine beds to specification
  • Accurately measuring and mixing raw materials in line with company standards
  • Trimming, finishing, and preparing GRP components
  • Interpreting drawings and client specifications
  • General housekeeping and application of LEAN manufacturing tools such as 5S

Entry Requirements: 4 GCSEs 9 - 2, or equivalent, or a level 1 vocational qualification in a related subject

Salary: £7.85 per hour in year one, rising to £14.00 upon completion of training

Employment Type: 24-month fixed term training contract

Working Hours: 7:00am to 3:30pm (five days a week)

College Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm (block release - full week of study)

Working Location: Sunseeker Shipyard, Poole, BH15 4AB or Sunseeker Osprey Quay, Portland Beach Road, Portland, DT5 1BL

Apply for a Sunseeker apprenticeship at Poole

Apply for a Sunseeker apprenticeship at Portland

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When does recruitment open?

  • Recruitment starts during National Apprenticeship Week in February for a September start.
  • Applications must be made online at www.sunseeker.com/careers

What do you pay Apprentices?

Grading pay through the Level 3 Apprenticeship is currently as follows:

  • Year 1.  £7.85 p/h irrespective of age
  • Year 2.  £10.00 p/h  (Aged 21 and over £12.21 )
  • Year 3.  £12.21p/h (Aged 21 and over £12.21)
  • Year 4.  £14.00 p/h

On completion up to £15.55 per hour plus options to earn up to £16.05 per hour with a discretionary and non-contractual “Values” uplift in hourly pay, and regular team based performance payments

Grading pay through the Level 2 Apprenticeship is currently as follows:

  • Year 1.  £7.85 p/h irrespective of age
  • Year 2.  £10.00 p/h  (Aged 21 and over (12.21)

On completion up to £14.00 per hour

What should I be doing now to help my application?

  • Concentrate on achieving the best GCSE (or equivalent) grades you can
  • Maintain a good attendance record
  • Gain some experience in the trade you wish to apply for so you can bring evidence to your interview

Apprentices can have the opportunity to progress to a variety of areas, including but not limited to;

  • Management roles such as Team Leader, Production Manager
  • Travelling roles in the internationally field based Warranty/Aftersales Engineering Team
  • Maritime roles in the Poole based Test and Commissioning Team
  • Technical/support roles in manufacturing such as Production Engineering, Purchasing/Planning, Technical Sales Support and Quality

 

Sunseeker apprentices benefit from:

  • Paid block release to college
  • A generous company pension scheme - 6% employer contribution
  • Company sick pay on completion of probationary period
  • Overtime when available (for those 18 or older)
  • The opportunity for a permanent contract on completion of your apprenticeship. Promotion opportunities and further education options also exist on the completion of training.
  • Private medical insurance, dental insurance and an extra 3 day’s holiday allowance after four years’ service

 

Apprentices will attend Bournemouth & Poole College by paid block release.

All Apprentices are employed by Sunseeker International Ltd via a fixed term contract and the Company has the intention to employ 100% of those recruited on a full time permanent basis, upon successful completion of their training contract

HEAR FROM SUNSEEKER APPRENTICES

Sunseeker apprentices; Sam, Sydney, Luke, Callum & Jade share their experiences about the award-winning apprenticeship scheme at Sunseeker.

HEAR FROM SUNSEEKER APPRENTICES

Sunseeker apprentices; Sam, Sydney, Luke, Callum & Jade share their experiences about the award-winning apprenticeship scheme at Sunseeker.

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