At a Glance
- Tasks: Build world-class yachts and learn hands-on skills in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join Sunseeker, a leader in luxury yacht manufacturing with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Earn £12.71 per hour, rising to £14.42, plus a fully funded tool kit and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic training programme leading to a nationally recognised qualification.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in boat building with no prior experience needed!
- Qualifications: A positive attitude and commitment to learning are all you need to apply.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
Salary: £12.71 per hour on employment, rising to £14.42 per hour after 6 months.
Employment type: 24 month fixed term training contract. Sunseeker aims to offer all trainees a permanent contract upon successful completion of training.
Training course hours: 7:30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, for 10 full weeks, at the start of your employment.
Working hours: 7:00am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday, plus optional overtime, upon completion of the 10 week training course.
Working location: Sunseeker Shipyards, New Quay Road, Poole, BH15 1AB.
Training location: Bournemouth and Poole College, Ashley Cross Campus, North Road, Poole, BH14 0LS.
About Sunseeker International: Sunseeker was founded on a bold vision: to create a new kind of yacht and redefine what was possible on the water. From our earliest designs in 1967, we’ve pushed boundaries and reshaped the motor yacht industry through innovation, craftsmanship and relentless ambition.
At the heart of every Sunseeker lies a legacy of expert hands and meticulous attention to detail, skills refined and passed down through generations. These are the qualities that set our yachts apart - and the qualities that continue to drive our craft today.
In a world increasingly defined by automation, we remain committed to building hand‑crafted, hand‑finished boats. With over 1,800 talented team members across our busy shipyards - from long‑serving specialists to more than 180 apprentices - our Sunseeker workforce reflects the strength, diversity and pride of our local community.
Role overview: A career with Sunseeker is a career that offers more. You’ll gain valuable new skills, build friendships that last a lifetime, and experience a real sense of pride every time a yacht sets sail for its new owner.
As a Sunseeker Boat Builder, you’ll play a key role in the manufacturing of world-class yachts, working across five core trades: Composites, Carpentry, Engineering, Electrical and Plumbing. No previous experience is required - we’ll provide all the training and support you need to succeed.
Training overview: Our 24-month training programme begins with a full-time, 10-week workshop-based course at Bournemouth & Poole College (North Road, Poole, BH14 0LS). In a safe and supportive training environment, you’ll work alongside your fellow trainees to develop hands-on practical skills, alongside the theory needed to build your confidence and competence in boat building.
During this time, you will gain foundational experience in carpentry, electrical installation, engineering, plumbing and marine composites. We’ll also equip you with the knowledge and behaviours needed to work both effectively and safely within a busy manufacturing environment.
Your development doesn’t stop there. After completing the initial 10-week course, you’ll move into the workplace, where you’ll continue building your skills alongside some of the most experienced tradespeople in the marine industry. Over the following nine months, you’ll record evidence of your progress as you work towards your final assessment at the end of your first year.
Upon successful completion, you’ll achieve a nationally recognised Level 2 Lean Manufacturing qualification - and take the first step into a long-term career in the marine sector. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to start a new career or change direction.
Typical duties include:
- Place construction setup equipment in the boat such as lighting, extraction and other safety interventions.
- Join yacht components using composite bonding methods.
- Install shelving to hull structures.
- Lay bulkheads to hull structures.
- Build wooden carcasses into hull layouts.
- Install cabin structures such as structural flooring, ceiling structures and panels.
- Fit window bands to interior windows.
- Cut bulkhead penetrations from markings.
- Install cable containment systems through the boat.
- Run and label main cable looms through the boat.
- Cut composite materials for through-hull fittings, from markings.
- Install distribution/white boards into engine room spaces.
- Cut and prepare hard and flexible pipes.
- Run straight and pre bent pipes through the boat.
- Act as a team member in respect of lifting operations.
- Maintain workplace cleanliness and organisation & install boat finish protection systems.
- Support skilled trades with any other reasonable boat building tasks.
What you’ll need to apply: We’re more interested in your positive, can-do attitude and commitment to learning a construction trade than your grades or prior qualifications. As part of the interview process, you’ll simply complete a basic Maths and English assessment. If you need additional support in these areas, we’ll provide extra tuition to help you develop.
The ambition to work in a fast paced yacht construction environment (note: this role is not based on the water).
We’d also like to see examples of your interest in construction or manufacturing. This could include relevant work experience, hands-on projects, or personal interests and hobbies that demonstrate your enthusiasm for this type of work.
A career history that demonstrates commitment to your previous employers. Those that already hold an engineering qualification at level 2 or higher (such as an engineering based apprenticeship or a degree in engineering) are not eligible for this programme.
What will you get in return: On completion of the 24-month training programme, you will have developed skills across five key construction and engineering trades, along with a strong understanding of how a luxury motor yacht is built from start to finish.
You’ll achieve a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification, giving you a solid foundation to build a long-term career in the marine industry. We’ll support you every step of the way, including providing a fully funded tool kit - complete with your own power tools - as well as a comprehensive benefits package. This includes holiday pay, sick pay, overtime opportunities, a safe and supportive working environment, life assurance, regular performance reviews, and full pay throughout your training, with salary increases at weeks 12 and 26.
Notes: Key dates for assessment and interview processes are; Interview Days: 16/01/2026, 12/01/2027 and 01/02/2027. Training start date: 22nd February 2027.
Sunseeker Boat Builder (February 2027 Intake) in Poole employer: Sunseeker International
At Sunseeker International, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant and innovative environment at our Osprey Quay location in Portland, Dorset. Our commitment to craftsmanship and quality is matched by our dedication to employee well-being, with benefits such as a generous pension scheme, private medical insurance, and a supportive work culture that fosters growth and development. Join us and be part of a passionate team where your skills will be valued and your contributions will be celebrated in the world of luxury yacht manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sunseeker Boat Builder (February 2027 Intake) in Poole
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Industry
For a temporary role in manufacturing, don’t shy away from physically visiting local factories and production sites. A friendly walk-in can often lead to spontaneous interviews or valuable connections, and can really help you get a sense of the workplace vibe.
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Windows
Manufacturing often sees spikes in hiring during particular seasons, like summer when production ramps up. Keep an eye on local job boards and community centres, or even visit seasonal job fairs—they’re golden for snagging those temporary roles we’re after.
✨Join Industry-Specific Communities
Consider joining online forums and social media groups specific to manufacturing. Sites like Reddit or even LinkedIn groups can give you insights into open positions and allow you to connect with current employees who might give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Site!
With Sunseeker International looking for temporary talent, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s often the fastest way to get your foot in the door, so make the most of it. Plus, it shows you're proactive—always a win!
We think you need these skills to ace Sunseeker Boat Builder (February 2027 Intake) in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Practical Skills:In manufacturing and production, hands-on skills are key! Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience with machinery, quality control, or assembly line work. If you’ve got certifications related to operating specific equipment, don’t forget to include those too!
Focus on Flexibility and Adaptability:For a temporary role, employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work well under pressure. Share any experiences where you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances or tight deadlines.
Include Specific Measurements of Your Impact:Manufacturing roles often revolve around efficiency and productivity. If you’ve previously worked in similar roles, be sure to quantify your achievements. For example, mention how you improved production rates or reduced waste – numbers stand out and show you mean business!
Express Your Interest in the Industry:Temporary roles can be a great stepping stone for future opportunities! Take a moment in your application to express why you’re interested in manufacturing and production. Showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make a real difference and may keep doors open for upcoming positions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunseeker International
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
In the manufacturing and production world, they want to see that you can actually handle the tools and machines. Bring along any certifications you have or even pictures of projects you’ve worked on. We want to demonstrate that you're not just a theory person but someone who can jump right in.
✨Emphasise Safety Knowledge
Safety's a huge deal in manufacturing, so make sure you’re clued up about health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've followed safety protocols in past roles. It's all about showing you can contribute to a safe working environment at Sunseeker International.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, highlight your adaptability and willingness to step into different roles as needed. Share examples of times you’ve adjusted quickly to new situations or tackled varied tasks. We want to show you're the go-to person when things get busy!
✨Ask About Team Dynamics
In any temporary role, fitting in quickly is vital. Ask about team dynamics and collaboration processes during the interview. This shows you’re not only ready to contribute but also keen to blend into Sunseeker International’s culture, making you a valuable asset.
