POOLE’S largest private employer, Sunseeker International, is looking to recruit 40 apprentice boat builders to its Dorset shipyards.

The superyacht builder plans to double its product range from 11 models to 22 over the next three years.

Its “learning pathways” encompass carpentry, composites, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and furniture joinery, taught over three and four years. The scheme includes paid attendance at Bournemouth and Poole College’s Marine Technology Centre, alongside on-the-job training at its Poole and Portland shipyards.

Last year, a Sunseeker apprentice achieved royal recognition at the annual Worshipful Company of Shipwrights, Queens Silver Medal competition receiving the Derek Kimber prize and, in 2018 a Sunseeker Apprentice scooped the top prize with a Queens Silver Medal.

The scheme was named the Best Apprenticeship Training Scheme at the 2017 IBI International Boat Builder Awards.

Alex Bowman, head of HR operations at Sunseeker International, said: “Sunseeker has been offering apprenticeships for more than 50 years. The scheme is a credible route to a very rewarding career. These new team members will learn the necessary craft skills from experienced boat builders to produce the level of quality and attention-to-detail for which Sunseeker is renowned.”

Applications for the scheme are open until March 15 at sunseeker.com/recruitment