Training scheme gives apprentices 'refreshed hope'

Apprentices on a pilot scheme will work in five areas including carpentry

Five people have been recruited onto a new apprenticeship scheme after a pilot initiative with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The Sector Work Academy Programme (SWAP) is a collaboration between the DWP, Bournemouth and Poole College in Dorset, and luxury yacht brand Sunseeker International.

The programme provided 17 unemployed individuals with an intensive four-week course, five of whom have now secured an apprenticeship with Sunseeker.

Course participant Mariusz Golkowsk, who became homeless in October but is now one of the Sunseeker apprentices, said the programme had given him "refreshed hope".

The 45-year-old said he had hit "rock bottom" after losing his job and his home.

"I was in desperate need to improve my situation. When you have nothing, you have zero confidence, and this is when the DWP referred me onto the Bournemouth and Poole College SWAP course," he said.

"I now have accommodation and am beginning to turn things around to get my life back on track."

The Sunseeker Skills Academy was launched in 2023

SWAP aims to tackle local unemployment and bridge skills gaps.

The four-week course covered areas including health and safety, employability, and carpentry.

The apprentices will spend 12 weeks in college and then work in a shipyard for 40 weeks, learning trade skills across five specialisms: carpentry, plumbing, composite bonding, engineering and electrical installations.

Sunseeker produces luxury yachts at its manufacturing base in Poole, Dorset

Collage principal Phil Sayles said he was "incredibly proud" of the programme.

Paul Hayler from Sunseeker International said the company was "delighted to welcome" the five apprentices to the team.

"Sunseeker remains committed to investing in talent development and providing individuals with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the marine industry," he said.

Bournemouth and Poole College said it wanted to make SWAP an ongoing initiative, with plans to take on another cohort in July.