LUXURY motor yacht manufacturer Sunseeker is supporting a new venture at Bournemouth and Poole College to train the next generation of marine engineers and boat builders.

The college has invested £250,000 in a new Marine Technology Centre, due to open in Poole in September. There will be at least 70 places for Sunseeker learners and spaces for a total of 250 students at the centre.

“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,” said Sunseeker training manager Alex Bowman.

“We believe a link with Bourne-mouth and 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.”

College principal Lawrence Vincent said: “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.”