SUNSEEKER International has been celebrating the graduation of more apprentices and as applauding its first batch of graduates.

The Sunseeker Apprenticeship Programme launched in 1979 and is taught over three or four years at the Bournemouth and Poole College’s Marine Technology Centre, alongside on-the-job training at the company’s Poole and Portland shipyards.

Talent manager at Sunseeker International Neil Ramsden said: “Apprenticeships continue to be justifiably sought after as a route to develop valuable skills and talent, leading to a fulfilling and rewarding career.

“We congratulate the 21 individuals who have completed the programme which has tested them but ultimately given them the knowledge, confidence and ability they need to succeed.”

Its success has led to the introduction of the Sunseeker Graduate Programme to help university graduates gain a commercial understanding of how the organisation operates by offering two-year placements, allowing them to experience all elements of their specialism and supporting roles.

The ceremony was the first graduation for this programme .

Talent manager Neil Ramsden said: “Our apprentices will have learnt the necessary craft skills from experienced boat builders to produce the level of quality and attention-to-detail for which Sunseeker is renowned.

“Meanwhile, our graduates have received an exceptional commercial understanding which will help them develop into diverse and challenging roles.

“Both routes present a brilliant opportunity to establish lifelong careers within the leisure marine industry.”