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 learn how to install a wide variety of mechanical systems, from the hydraulic systems that operate garage doors and rudders. Installing to a fine tolerance the engines, gearboxes, propulsion systems, fuel systems and everything in between. You will learn fundamental engineering skills and develop outstanding problem-solving abilities. Working alongside professionals, you’ll be building an engine room that is best in class.
Example responsibilities include:
- Installing prop shafts and propellers
- Preparing engine beds/rooms for engine installation
- Installing stabilisers and trim tabs
- Installing bow and stern thrusters
- Building and installing high-pressure fluid systems such as fire suppression systems
- Installing gearboxes
- Building and installing complex hydraulic circuits
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
Must be available to commence employment in September 2026
MARINE ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Level 3 Apprenticeship. 4 Year Training Contract
In this trade, you will learn to install a wide range of electrical systems, including lighting and switching, audio and visual equipment, full engine-room electrical setups, and power generation 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. If you have an interest in electrics or audio systems, and enjoyed physics at school, this could be the ideal trade for you.
Example responsibilities include:
- Drilling penetrations through bulkheads (making holes in walls)
- Fitting cable management and containment systems such as cable trays and trunking
- Running cable looms across the boat
- Installing electrical components. Everything from domestic appliances such as washing machines and ovens, to complex machinery, navigation computer networks and high-end audio video systems
- Final fit of high end/luxury components such as luxury light fittings
- Inspection and testing of installed circuits and components
- General housekeeping and application of LEAN 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
Must be available to commence employment in September 2026
BOAT BUILDER - WOOD PATHWAY
Level 3 Apprenticeship. 4 Year Training Contract
As a boatbuilder, you will master traditional shipwright techniques to construct and fit out boats. Your work will include installing key components such as galleys (kitchens), cabins, companionways, and more. You’ll develop highly regarded carpentry skills that are core to our brand’s reputation. During your college training, you will also have the opportunity to learn laminating alongside your carpentry studies. If you have strong attention to detail and a passion for working with wood, this could be the perfect trade for you.
Example responsibilities include:
- Installing Galleys (kitchens) and Cabin (bedroom) furniture
- Fitting ceiling grounds
- Fitting window bands
- First stage/fix - intermediate bulkheads and flooring
- Second and final fix joinery with veneer and solid wood
- 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
Must be available to commence employment in September 2026
COMPOSITES MANUFACTURING
Level 2 Apprenticeship. 24 Month Training Contract
In this position, you will play a pivotal role in the manufacturing of Composite components from Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP). From large moulds such as boat hulls and decks to small moulds such as locker lids, you will learn traditional wet-lay-up GRP techniques and advanced closed moulding GRP infusion processes. The role requires applicants who are searching for a labour intensive, team-based and hands-on position. You will learn other aspects of Marine manufacture including health and safety, production systems and quality measures. If you enjoy working in a team, this is the role for you.
Example responsibilities include:
- Wet layup laminating using hand tools such as brushes and rollers
- Cutting dry GRP materials
- Measuring and mixing chemicals such as resins and gel coats
- Finishing and repair work
- Trimming
- Planning lay up operations
- General housekeeping and application of LEAN 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 (please ensure you select the correct apprenticeship when completing an application form)
Must be available to commence employment in September 2026
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.
