FORTH Ports, operator of the Port of Tilbury and the adjacent Tilbury2, has welcomed 20 new apprentices and graduates across its UK-wide business, creating rewarding career opportunities in the ports, logistics and maritime sectors.

Reflecting its focus on local talent, global trade, the company says it is building accessible career pathways for people in the communities surrounding its ports and reinforcing its long-term commitment to developing future talent.

The latest intake sees 15 apprentices join teams across Scotland and Tilbury in roles including Business Administration, Operations, Facilities, Engineering and IT.

A further five graduates have joined the company's Marine, Engineering, Operations and Business Intelligence teams as part of Forth Ports' Graduate Programme.

The new recruits recently came together at Forth Ports' annual Emerging Talent Launch Day, where they met colleagues from across the business, heard from senior leaders and learned more about Forth Ports operations and the career opportunities available to them. The event also enabled the apprentices and graduates to build connections across sites and functions and network with current and former programme participants.

This latest intake strengthens Forth Ports growing early careers community and reflects its ongoing investment in skills, workforce development and succession planning. Over the past 12 months, the company has recruited 34 apprentices and graduates across its UK operations. Forth Ports is also a proud gold-accredited member of The 5% Club, which recognises employers that demonstrate a meaningful commitment to workforce development through apprenticeships, graduate programmes and other earn-and-learn opportunities.

The announcement comes as Forth Ports celebrates four graduates from its 2024 Graduate Programme progressing into substantive roles across the Marine, Business Intelligence and Engineering functions, following two years of development and contribution to the business.

This year, 22 former apprentices and graduates have secured permanent roles across Forth Ports after completing their development programmes. Their progression into long-term careers demonstrates the strength of the organisation's commitment to developing talent from within.

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Forth Ports is also celebrating the achievements of its Tilbury Operations apprenticeship cohort. All nine apprentices successfully completed their programme with training provider Locomotivation and achieved a distinction. This outstanding result reflects the dedication, hard work and commitment they demonstrated throughout their apprenticeship journeys and highlights the quality of talent being developed across the business.

Kirsty Summers, Emerging Talent & Development Advisor at Forth Ports, said: "It has been fantastic to welcome our newest cohort and see the enthusiasm, ambition and potential that they bring. Our apprenticeship and graduate programmes are designed to support, challenge and inspire individuals as they develop their careers."

"We are equally proud of our graduating cohort. Their final presentations showcased the impact they have made across the business over the last two years. Their progression into substantive roles highlights the long-term value of investing in talent, creating meaningful career pathways and developing future leaders within Forth Ports. Many of our apprentices are continuing their careers with us, moving into permanent roles and contributing to the future success of the business.

"Growing and retaining talent in this way demonstrates the lasting value of investing in skills and developing people for the future."

Apprenticeships and graduate development remain a key part of Forth Ports people and ESG strategies.

By working closely with local schools, colleges, universities and training providers, the company creates opportunities for people in the communities surrounding its ports, improves access to meaningful careers and ensures its programmes respond to current and emerging skills needs. This approach supports a sustainable talent pipeline and builds the capability needed for the future growth and success of Forth Ports UK-wide operations.

For more information about careers and future opportunities with Forth Ports, visit the Careers section of the Forth Ports website: Forth Ports Careers