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:
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:
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:
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:
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?
What do you pay Apprentices?
Grading pay through the Level 3 Apprenticeship is currently as follows:
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:
On completion up to £14.00 per hour
What should I be doing now to help my application?
Apprentices can have the opportunity to progress to a variety of areas, including but not limited to;
Sunseeker apprentices benefit from:
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.