From the quayside to the workshop, PD Ports’ apprentices are learning skills that keep trade flowing
FEATURE
Versatility – Zack Mark has worked across departments, gaining skills in fault-finding, hydraulics and diagnostics since joining PD Ports as a mechanical apprentice 15 years ago.
INVESTING IN
TALENT ON TEESSIDE
From the quayside to the workshop, PD Ports’ apprentices are learning skills that keep trade flowing
PD Ports has trained apprentices for generations. Today, that means designing apprenticeships that meet the changing needs of industry and sustainability, while providing the foundations for long-lasting careers. The latest recruits include apprenticeships in engineering, procurement and operational excellence.
A new generation of engineers This autumn, PD Ports welcomed six new apprentices as part of its commitment to nurturing talent. Four – Charlie Syson, Drew Harrower, Will Hudson and Alfie Bambrough – are the first recruits to join the company’ s new engineering apprenticeship scheme, where on-thejob training is supported with studies undertaken at their local college( either Middlesbrough College or Hartlepool College of Further Education).
This hands-on learning is gained at Tees and Hartlepool docks, plus a placement with the Marine Business Unit, giving future engineers a complete view of how a modern port operates.
Andy Eaton, engineering director at PD Ports, said:“ Our goal is to create engineers who understand how every part of the operation connects. By immersing them in both engineering and marine environments, we’ re shaping professionals who can solve problems, innovate, and keep Teesside’ s ports running safely for decades to come.”
For the apprentices it’ s a chance to start careers in a business that celebrates curiosity and believes in practical learning.
Charlie said:“ You’ re trusted to get involved straight away, with experienced engineers showing you how to do things the right way. It’ s hands-on, and that’ s how you learn best.”
Drew added:“ Every day is different. One month I’ m shadowing a crane maintenance team, the next I’ m helping in marine engineering. You see your impact immediately.”
From apprentice to expert PD Ports’ mentoring culture ensures that knowledge built over decades is passed on. Apprentices work alongside skilled colleagues maintaining cranes, conveyors and heavy plant that operate around the clock, learning from day one that safety always comes first.
Leigh Watson, engineering manager at PD Ports, said:“ When we invest in early career colleagues, we’ re investing in performance. Apprentices bring energy and new perspectives, while mentoring allows our technicians to pass on decades of know-how. It’ s a partnership that strengthens the whole business.”
Two colleagues who demonstrate where that partnership can lead are Gavin Robinson and Zack Mark.
Gavin Robinson – from apprentice to crane manager When Gavin walked through the gates of Teesport in 2003, he was a 17-year-old apprentice electrician. Twenty-two years later, he heads the Crane Engineering team, responsible for 18 people and the maintenance of everything from ship-toshore cranes to automated gates.
“ It’ s the variety that keeps you hooked,” said Gavin.“ Teesport is like a small town – we run our own high-voltage network and look after every type of lifting equipment imaginable. You learn fast and never stop learning.”
Now focused on driving efficiency and sustainability, Gavin has helped introduce a new planning structure and is supporting the arrival of two electric cranes worth around £ 4m each. But for him, the real legacy is people.“ I tell new starters my story, so they know I’ ve been in their shoes. Curiosity is a strength here. If you ask questions, you’ ll go far.”
30 | Tees Business