OPINION
Challenge – PD Ports CEO , Frans Calje OBE , wants to nurture a workforce that supports the firm ’ s growth and long-term success .
PICTURE : MIKE SREENAN
PD Ports chief executive officer , Frans Calje OBE , looks at the recruitment landscape , and the challenges facing both PD Ports and the wider maritime and shipping industry .
ANCHORING
TALENT
A
business is only as good as its people . And our people are our greatest asset . As one of the Tees Valley ’ s largest employers , we ’ ve been providing career opportunities to people across the region for over 50 years .
However , as a business and as an industry , we face several significant challenges when it comes to recruitment . From changing perceptions and attracting talent to broadening skills and staying ahead of the rest , companies are coming to terms with a competitive and everchanging landscape .
Attracting and retaining talent is perhaps the most significant of those . Much work is being done , but the industry needs to continue to promote itself as exciting and rewarding , with a diverse and often unexpected range of opportunities .
The chance to work with emerging technologies , travel the world and play a vital role in global trade , are all unique advantages .
And passing that message on to the next generation is of great priority . Our work with High Tide Foundation , Tees Valley Logistics Academy and The North East School of Shipping is testament to that , and so too is our commitment to changing perceptions and raising awareness of the sector .
Investing in people is of similar importance , and it ’ s long since been the cornerstone of our strategy .
Equally , for potential employees , it ’ s something that often ranks highly amongst the list of things they look for in an organisation .
With a focus on succession planning and talent management , our awardwinning training programmes ensure that we support personal and professional development , while improving the skills base of our teams .
As older workers approach retirement , there ’ s a real need to start plugging the future skills gap today – particularly so , given that some of these are highly specialised roles .
Alongside a culture of continuous learning and upskilling , that ’ s why it ’ s pivotal that we maintain strong relationships with education settings of all natures .
Of course , competitive salaries and benefits packages are crucial too – not only so people feel valued and rewarded , but also to help them through the current
‘ It requires a collaborative effort between industry stakeholders , education and government .’
– Frans Calje OBE
cost-of-living crisis .
Consideration also needs to be given to how things like flexible and hybrid working can be applied to the sector .
It ’ s an open and ongoing debate but one which we need to engage with , or risk losing talent to agile industries that have already set the narrative .
Despite the challenges , there are plenty of reasons to be positive .
By investing in people and embracing change , we can nurture a workforce that supports our growth and long-term success . But we can ’ t do it alone .
To create an appealing and supportive environment that attracts and retains top talent , it requires a collaborative effort between industry stakeholders , education and government .
Only then can we reach our true potential – as an industry , as a business and as people .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 63