LO G I S TICS
Opportunity - PD Ports’ apprentice
civil engineer Emily Clark.
“It’s vital that we
continue to work
together with schools,
young people, parents
and businesses alike to
shout about what our
industry can really offer.”
A force to be reckoned with
PD Ports has an ongoing partnership
with Teesside University that spans over
a decade and involves collaborating
on projects such as Knowledge
Transfer Partnerships, consultancy and
undergraduate work experience.
Most recently the two organisations
have come together to develop a new,
bespoke Chartered Management Degree
Apprenticeship (CMDA) to support the
development of future leaders in the ports
and logistics industry.
Holly Fielding, PD Ports’ harbour police
constable, is currently enrolled on the
CMDA and is learning the skills and gaining
the knowledge and experience needed to
become a future business leader.
“I’ve got a real interest in progressing
within PD Ports and have made my
ambition clear to my managers,” explained
Holly.
“When the opportunity came up to take
part in the PD Ports and Teesside University
programme my name was put forward and I
was fortunate enough to be chosen.
“I’m allowed time out to go to university
and have the benefit of taking independent
study days. I feel so lucky to work for PD
Ports because I’m not limited to work in one
police role for the rest of my career. There
are lots of different avenues to explore
and the opportunities and support from
PD Ports is vital in further developing my
career.”
PD Ports is passionate about developing
its future leaders and workforce as the
business continues to adapt to fast-
changing markets.
The CMDA gives current employees the
opportunity to learn theoretical knowledge
that underpins the practical skills in their
daily roles, developing their education and
career prospects.
A new wave of talent
Back in 2012, the High Tide Foundation was
launched by founding partners PD Ports
and Casper Shipping with aims to inspire
young people aged 12 to 18 to build a
career in the maritime industry and its vital
support sectors whilst demonstrating the
variety of roles available.
“Through meaningful and engaging
experiences with key industry partners,
we want to unveil our ‘hidden’ industry,”
explains Kirsten Donkin, PD Ports’ head of
PR, marketing and communications.
“The stark reality is that unless they have
a family member in the industry, a career
in maritime doesn’t feature on the radar of
young people.
“When they think of maritime and
logistics, most young people think
of a crane operator, a heavy goods
vehicle driver or an engineer. They are
preconditioned to think that opportunities
are limited, with little diversity.
“This is why it’s vital that we continue to
work together with schools, young people,
parents and businesses alike to shout about
what our industry can really offer.”
Earlier this year the High Tide Foundation
joined forces with the Tees Valley Logistics
Academy to further drive demand for
future careers in logistics in the region.
Both organisations work in partnership
with business across Middlesbrough,
Darlington, Stockton, Redcar, Hartlepool
and beyond to raise awareness of career
and training opportunities for young people
in the North-East, reducing the risk of losing
talent.
Jacob Moat and Emily Clark, both
degree apprentices at PD Ports, were once
Logistics Academy students and are now
assets to the business, paving the way for
the port operator’s future.
Both impressed so much on their work
experience placements that they were
offered full time employment alongside
the necessary support to continue their
education.
Jacob, PD Ports’ estates surveying
apprentice, works with a mentor in the
Estates department four days week,
and spends the fifth day at Northumbria
University where he is studying to become
a chartered surveyor.
“I’m passionate about promoting PD
Ports to other young people because
as a business, it’s great at growing and
attracting young, local talent,” said Jacob.
“The whole team has been incredibly
supportive of me and my studies. You can
guarantee that anyone who walks through
the door to start their career here will
receive the same support base that I have.
The support from colleagues across all
functions has been brilliant.”
Emily is flying the flag for women in STEM
subjects, choosing a degree apprenticeship
in civil engineering with PD Ports over
studying architecture at Cambridge
University.
“When I was a kid I wanted to be a
dentist, a vet, all sorts of things,” said Emily.
“Even when I started my internship at PD
Ports with the Logistics Academy I was still
changing my mind about my career.
“As soon as I saw the civil engineering
side of PD Ports I knew it was what I
wanted to do. I’d never have explored this
career path without the internship and I
would have made the wrong decision.”
As an employer, PD Ports has
implemented a comprehensive
development plan, detailing each step of
her career up to chartered status.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity
I have at PD Ports and I’m lucky to be
surrounded by people who can support me
in what I’m doing,” said Emily.
“I know where my career is heading and
how I’m going to get there, which is a great
boost of confidence and gives me the
reassurance that my hard work is paying
off.”
With the North-East consistently taking
the title of the UK’s leading net exporting
region, PD Ports believes the Tees Valley
has a responsibility to ensure there is a
diverse and skilled workforce ready to
support future economic growth.
The voice of business in the Tees region | 83