A pilot back-to-work learning initiative is being hailed as a remarkable success by Bournemouth and Poole College.
The college’s Sector Work Academy Programme (SWAP) initiative is a collaboration with Sunseeker International and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
It aims to tackle local unemployment and bridge skills gaps.
Seventeen unemployed people, referred by the DWP, took part in the free, four-week intensive course, designed to equip individuals with key skills covering health and safety, employability as well as carpentry.
It culminated in the opportunity to interview for an apprenticeship role at Sunseeker International.
Five of the 17 participants successfully secured an apprenticeship with the luxury yacht manufacturer.
They included Mariusz Golkowski, 45, who became homeless in October last year and has now moved into accommodation.
He said: “After losing everything, my job and my home, as well as losing all contact with my family, I became homeless last year and after hitting rock bottom I was in desperate need to improve my situation.
“When you have nothing, you have zero confidence, and this is when the DWP referred me onto the Bournemouth and Poole College SWAP course.
“I don’t give up easily and want a new start, a new life, and this programme has given me refreshed hope, boosting my confidence and helping me to learn new skills to achieve an apprenticeship with Sunseeker.
“After being unemployed and homeless for several months, I now have accommodation and am beginning to turn things around to get my life back on track.
“I’m looking forward to making progress with my apprenticeship while studying at the college and earning a wage.”
Phil Sayles, Principal and Chief Executive at the college, pictured left, said: “Bournemouth and Poole College is here to support everyone in our community to get on in life, and at work, through learning new skills, including adults.
“We believe that learning is a life-changing experience and can make a real difference to a person’s wellbeing.
“We’re incredibly proud of the success achieved through the trial of our Sector Work Academy Programme.
“The SWAP initiative shows the power of collaboration between colleges, employers and government departments in addressing unemployment and creating pathways to great employment.
“The enthusiasm and determination of our SWAP learners throughout the training was evident and we congratulate Sunseeker’s latest apprentices and wish Mariusz and the other students well as they embark on their apprenticeship and career journeys.”
Paul Hayler, of Sunseeker International, said: “Sunseeker remains committed to investing in talent development and providing individuals with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the marine industry.
“We’re delighted to welcome the new apprentices to the team.”
Plans are now underway to implement SWAP as an on-going initiative.
Bournemouth and Poole College is looking to enrol a further group of individuals, referred by the DWP, this July for a September start date.