The Pulse of Luxury Boating

HRH Prince William visited the Sunseeker Skills Academy at Bournemouth and Poole College to recognise the progress of the Homewards initiative, a five-year, community-focused programme launched in June 2023 by the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales. The initiative aims to tackle homelessness in the UK through collaborative local efforts. 

During his visit, His Royal Highness engaged with trainees enrolled in Sunseeker’s fast-track boatbuilding programme, which equips participants with practical trade skills while helping address the national skills shortage. Established in 2023 in partnership with Bournemouth and Poole College, the Skills Academy offers a fully funded, intensive course covering carpentry, plumbing, composite bonding, engineering, and electrical installations. 

The Academy is part of the Homewards BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole) Coalition, a partnership between Sunseeker, Bournemouth and Poole College, and the local charity Faithworks. This programme provides hands-on employment opportunities for individuals in need. One trainee, Daniel, joined Sunseeker in August 2024 after completing a Job-Ready Programme at the college. 

“The course was great,” Daniel said. “It offered experience in five different trades and helped me discover which area I wanted to pursue as a career.” 

Sunseeker’s HR Director, Sian Dodds, spoke with HRH Prince William about the company’s dedication to the initiative:  

“It’s a privilege to support candidates in gaining the skills needed to build successful careers. This programme not only helps address the national skills shortage but also provides practical solutions to homelessness. Working alongside the Homewards programme, Faithworks, and Bournemouth and Poole College ensures these opportunities are meaningful and accessible.” 

Homewards is currently active across six regions in the UK, addressing long-term solutions to homelessness. With more than 300,000 people (including nearly 150,000 children) living in temporary housing or without a home, the initiative is focused on breaking the cycle of homelessness and offering sustainable, local support. 

For more information about Homewards, feel free to visit the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales.