Successful Partnership Working Leads to Students Gaining Apprenticeships

Bournemouth and Poole College has had yet another successful outcome from a recent student graduating from a 4-week job-ready Sunseeker training course. Students, including Daniel, had initial interviews in conjunction with Sunseeker boatbuilding company and a tour of the boatyard as they came to the end of their course, passing on to the next steps in their careers.

Out-of-work students, some of whom were previously homeless, were referred to the college by Faithworks’ Rob Cox, Commercial, Communications & Arch Training Development Manager, to improve their employability skills with the onus on writing application forms, teamwork, assertiveness and interview practice. One day each week was spent learning basic carpentry skills. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) also refer students on to the programme. 

Daniel, one of the students completing the course said: “After completing my job-ready employability course I was successful in my interview for Sunseekers International and have gone on to do their boat builder apprenticeship in-house.” 

He continued: “I found the course very useful in enhancing my self-confidence in interview skills and also preparing my mind in developing a more professional attitude to gaining employment, as I had been out of work for a few years. The tutor was very relaxed and professional and we got through all the content required and although some students were slower than others, we used this as a teambuilding opportunity.

For the future, Dan suggests that his goals are to complete his three months’ training and then to continue on to his apprenticeship with Sunseeker down at Poole shipyard for the rest of his contract.

Tutor, Claire Atkinson said: “Daniel was great on the course.   He was consistently diligent, polite, keen, punctual, patient, generous in his participation and helpful to (and patient with) the other students.  His booklets were filled out almost flawlessly, showing real care and attention, and he noticeably incorporated both the material and any advice given through the course in subsequent sessions.”   

Dan said: “It was pleasing to finish the employability course as I knew it would benefit my attitude and my CV but thankfully, I landed the job with my first interview! Thank you to the college.”

A huge congratulations to the three successful candidates who have now progressed onto their Sunseeker semi-skilled boat builder apprenticeship. We are changing lives at Bournemouth and Poole college! 

For more information on job-ready courses or if you are an employer who wants to recruit - we can help! Please contact: employmentsupport@bpc.ac.uk.