LAVENEUR KABWEBWE
Age : 33 Job : Vessel superintendent
School / college : St David ’ s Catholic School / Middlesbrough College
Courses and qualifications : NVQ level 2 in gym instruction ; NVQ level 2 in uniformed service and nutrition ; NEBOSH qualification in health and safety ; RTITB qualification in training instruction
Career path to date : I started as an apprentice in dock authority and over the years have been a crane driver , charge hand and training instructor before becoming a vessel superintendent , responsible for docking ships and handling cargo .
What do you like about working at PD Ports ? I really like the variety of the tasks we do - there are always different cargoes to handle and new people to meet . It ’ s an active and physical job that I find rewarding and challenging .
What do you wish you ’ d known at 16 ? Some challenges that life brings .
Any advice ? The sky is the limit and knowledge is key .
ELLIE TREVILL
Age : 21 Job : Vessel traffic services officer
School / college : Freebrough Academy / Outwood Academy Bydales / South Shields Marine School / Warsash Maritime Academy / The Northern School of Art
Courses and qualifications : GCSEs ; SQA Deck Pre-Cadetship Level 3 ; FdSc Nautical Sciences ( unfinished ); Access to Higher Education ( Art and Design ); BA ( Hons ) Costume Interpretation with Design ( unfinished )
Career path to date : I started my career in maritime onboard cruise ships back when I was 16 but left , feeling like it wasn ’ t the career for me . I enrolled into a costume design course as it combined a few of my hobbies and I quite enjoyed the course .
However , PD Ports was advertising a role in its Harbour Office and I felt it would suit me perfectly . It was a part of the maritime industry I had never considered or really knew enough about before seeing the job advert .
I ’ ve also worked in hospitality and in a bridal shop – really varied !
What do you like about working at PD Ports ? I received such a warm welcome when I joined the company , not just from my immediate colleagues but from so many people along the river . It did not take long for me to feel part of the team here .
Training here is thorough and precise and covers everything I need for my role , making me feel more confident in myself .
What do you wish you ’ d known at 16 ? A change in career is not as scary as I thought . It might take a few times to get it right . Always be open to change and try to keep as many doors open as possible .
Networking is a great part of any career so be as involved as you can . Make the most out of every opportunity that is available to you .
Any advice ? Look for a career that will bring out the best version of yourself and allow for your personal development during your career . Don ’ t be afraid to try new things and , most importantly , have confidence in yourself .
Ship comes – the Emerald Express passes beneath the Transporter Bridge under the watchful eye of PD Ports staff .
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