Port Services Apprentice

The Port of Sunderland handles vessels that are trading on a global basis and it is growing it's business in a variety of key market segments and customer supply chains. These include steel; tissue; construction and the offshore renewable sectors. Annual cargo volume for 2023 totalled 656,000 tonnes and the Port estate has been chosen by several investors as the location for bespoke materials handling facilities for cement, liquid fertiliser imports and circular economy (i.e., material recovery) activity. The Port's two Enterprise Zone sites (totalling 20 acres) will allow further opportunities for such developments enhancing port revenues.

The Port's work force can be broadly considered under three sections: cargo; engineering and marine. Several other organisational functions provide support. The Port Services Apprentices will be part of the Cargo team, where you will play a key role in ensuring vessels are efficiently loaded and unloaded and customer's inventories are well managed as well as supporting the Port's business tenants and investors with their site operations.

What will I be doing?

• Supporting the port with handing all cargo and materials handling, learning skills such as working at height, slinging and signalling.


• Developing strong skills in health and safety,


• Ensuring there is good communication between team members and customers,


• Learning to drive and operate a range of plant machinery, including forklift trucks and loading shovels,


• Learning to perform maintenance checks on all equipment and plant.


• Working in all weather conditions, across various shifts including 12-hour dayshifts and occasional nightshifts.


• Developing rounded skills across port services, including logistics, inventory and weighbridge operations.


How does it work?
Whilst learning new skills and gaining experience at work at the Port of Sunderland, you will also be working towards a Level 2 Port Operative apprenticeship qualification. Learning will be provided in a classroom setting, with opportunity to then work at the port putting that learning into practice. There may be the requirement to attend the Port of Blyth for some of your training. The apprenticeship will last up to 18 months in total.

You should work well in part of a team and you should have the ability to drive, so you can start learning to operate plant equipment early into your apprenticeship. Applicants must be 18 years old or older in August 2024 to allow for flexibility in shift patterns. You should be prepared for physical work in all conditions.