The Bournemouth & Poole College has launched a new worldwide distributor training partnership with Sunseeker International, drawing global attention to Poole. From December 2016 onwards, the College will host an annual four day technical training course which is open to all Sunseeker International distributor service technicians.
More than 36 Sunseeker technicians from all over the world, including Asia, Finland and Spain enrolled onto the first four day technical training course held at The Bournemouth & Poole College’s North Road site.
The College already has an established relationship with Sunseeker International since the opening of its Marine Technology Centre in 2012. Earlier this year as part of Sunseeker’s long term talent strategy, 40 marine apprentices were employed by the manufacturer, bringing the current total apprentices to more than 90.
Sadie Wetherell, distributor technical training officer at Sunseeker International, said: “It seemed only natural to work with The College in this capacity after seeing over four years’ worth of apprentices come through the Marine Technology Centre and be trained to such a high standard. The marine lecturers at The Bournemouth & Poole College continuously exhibit a wide range of technical training skills which are required at all levels of learning amongst our ever growing distributor network.’’
Tristan Watson Cooke, distributor service technician from Sunseeker Ibiza, explained: ‘‘I have worked for Sunseeker Ibiza for 13 years and have seen many changes. It can be difficult to keep up to date with the latest technology so it is crucial that every training course I attend educates me on the latest systems and models. Most importantly it gives me the opportunity to meet all the other service technicians from around the world, giving us a chance to share ideas, problems and solutions.’’
Marc Emery, distributor service technician from Sunseeker Spain, added: ‘‘Having worked for the brand for over 23 years, this training has taken me back to the basic principles of boat manufacturing and has reminded me why I love the career that I do.’’
Mark Loose, director of learning for engineering at The Bournemouth & Poole College, said: ‘‘We are pleased to have received such a positive response already from all that have travelled to attend this course held at The College.
‘‘This partnership is a welcome addition to our varied course offering, and we are pleased to be able to showcase the high standard of skills which can be gained in engineering, electrical and boat building.’’
