FEATURE
Enterprise Charter – PD Ports ’ Kirsten Donkin and David Wilson ( centre ) flanked by Tees Valley Education Trust ’ s Katrina Morley and Helen Hall .
Young at heart
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How PD Ports is forging new opportunities for young people
ith a long and proud history of providing opportunities since the launch of its first apprenticeship scheme in 2001 , PD Ports has celebrated its 20th year of supporting young people by accelerating the largest recruitment drive in the UK ports sector .
As the largest private employer in the Tees Valley , the port operator has long placed its people at its very core , working tirelessly to attract , retain and develop the next wave of talent . 2021 has been no different .
Winner of the Apprenticeship , Training and Skills Award at this year ’ s North East Business Awards , there are more than 30 apprentices currently employed across the PD Ports group .
Under the mentorship and guidance of senior leaders within the company , they are learning new skills and embarking on careers in functions including engineering , insurance , business administration and finance .
Apprentice civil engineer Charlie Caswell , who started his apprenticeship at PD Ports at the height of the pandemic , said : “ From giving me the opportunity in the first place to welcoming me for the start of my apprenticeship , the support from my mentor , and the rest of the team around me , has been fantastic .
“ I ’ m loving my time here and am looking forward to continuing to grow in confidence , developing my role within PD Ports and building a successful career with the support of the company .”
With more than 20 per cent of its current workforce under 30 , PD Ports is committed to building a resilient and stable future for its own business , those of its customers and the maritime industry as a whole . That commitment includes a pledge to vast Teesport , which has seen PD Ports attract £ 1bn of new investment to Teesside in the last 10 years .
challenge perceptions in children from age five upwards .
In June , the port operator joined forces with the Tees Valley Education Multi-Academy Trust to create an Enterprise Charter for children and young people across Teesside .
This shared commitment to do more for the region ’ s young people will see PD Ports and Tees Valley Education Trust , along with other key partners and stakeholders , including Teesside University , work together to develop career-led learning opportunities from primary years to post-18 .
As well as recognising the need to challenge perceptions and raise awareness of careers in the industry from a young age , during 2021 PD Ports has also intensified its efforts in tackling skills gaps currently facing the industry .
With news of driver shortages and supply chain issues dominating news
58 | Tees Business