Prince William visited the Sunseeker Skills Academy at Bournemouth and Poole College to recognise the meaningful progress of Homewards, a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Launched in June 2023, the five-year programme unites communities, charities, and businesses with the shared goal of showing that homelessness in the UK can be ended through collaboration and opportunity.
During his visit, His Royal Highness met with trainees enrolled in the Sunseeker Skills Academy, an accelerated training scheme that equips participants with essential boatbuilding skills while helping tackle the country’s persistent shortage of skilled tradespeople. Created in partnership with Bournemouth and Poole College in 2023, the Academy offers a fully funded, hands-on course covering carpentry, engineering, plumbing, composite work, and electrical systems—opening new doors for those looking to build a lasting career.
As a proud member of the Homewards BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole) Coalition, Sunseeker works alongside the college and local charity Faithworks to create tangible employment routes for those rebuilding their lives. One success story is Daniel, who joined Sunseeker in August 2024 as a trainee boat builder after completing the Job-Ready Programme.
“The course was fantastic,” Daniel said. “It helped me move from Faithworks into a structured training environment. We got to try several trades and discover where our interests and strengths really were.”
Sunseeker’s HR Director, Sian Dodds, discussed with Prince William the company’s ongoing dedication to nurturing talent and supporting social inclusion.
“It’s rewarding to see individuals gain the skills and confidence to shape their futures,” Dodds said. “By providing these opportunities, we’re not only filling skill gaps in the marine industry but also helping people in our community overcome barriers to employment and housing. Our partnership with Homewards, Faithworks, and the college ensures these pathways remain accessible and impactful.”
Currently active in six regions across the UK, Homewards is developing sustainable models to address homelessness at its roots. With over 300,000 people—including nearly 150,000 children—living without stable housing, the initiative aims to break the cycle through education, empowerment, and community collaboration.
You can visit the official Royal Foundation website at royalfoundation.com for more information on
Photo: Sunseeker
