FEATURE
Transport – Coatham Coaches has supported the PD Ports ’ initiative to give children a glimpse of what could be their future careers .
used the past two years to redevelop the programme , build our relationships with local schools and really focus our attention on building a structured set of materials and programmes that will enable us to support the next generation while promoting careers in our industry .
“ As a business , we have long advocated for our colleagues to do all they can to support young people , especially throughout the pandemic , as the outlook for jobs and career prospects looked bleak . The relaunch of the Teesport Explorers is the first step in a range of initiatives we plan to launch as a business to really drive opportunities for generations to come .”
The relaunch of the programme is part of a continuation of the successful Project Hope initiative launched by PD Ports in 2020 to engage partners in business , communities , charity and government to find new ways to inspire young people .
While the port operator has ambitious growth plans for the programme , including building a fully accredited enterprise passport , it is also planning to tackle issues around gender imbalance within the maritime industry head-on .
This International Women ’ s Day , PD Ports announced its company-wide diversity pledge , making clear its intent to build a more diverse workplace and create an environment that embraces change and supports progress .
The company has engaged an external partner , Diverse Matters , which will begin a three-month intensive audit process of the business to enable PD Ports to build on a benchmark Diversity and Inclusion strategy .
The first phase of the project will see PD Ports go under desktop audits , policy reviews , focus groups and send engagement surveys to its people to make a full assessment of any potential diversity and inclusion improvements that can be made .
It is a well-known fact that people are at the heart of PD Ports , and the company has now embarked on this statement journey in the hope of further supporting its people , while building a richer and more immersive business for the future . CEO Frans Calje said : “ Our industry as a whole has long faced gender stereotypes with preconceived ideas , making women feel that the sector is not for them .
“ We must do what we can to tackle those issues and make opportunities within our industry accessible and attractive to all . That is why I am delighted we are starting on this journey of discovery so that we can really take hold of the issue , starting right within our own organisation .
“ It is also important , however , to recognise that diversity is a much wider issue . We hope that by tackling issues of gender inequality , we can use our findings as a benchmark that will enable us to continue our growth as a truly progressive and inclusive business .”
The voice of business in the Tees region | 39