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Port Services Apprentice

Job Summary
Contract Type:
Fixed Term
Working Pattern:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
06/08/2026
Advert End Date:
Closed for applications on 19/08/2026 23:59
Salary:
£9.43 per hour Apprenticeship wage (first year)
Hours per week:
37
Job Category:
Apprenticeships
Vacancy ID:
300436
Employment Location:
Port of Sunderland
Number of posts:
3
Closing date:
19 Aug
Further Information
18 Month Fixed Term Apprenticeship
 
These are exciting times at the Port of Sunderland, and an opportunity has arisen for three dedicated individuals to join the team as Port Services Apprentices.
 
The Port of Sunderland handles vessels that are trading on a global basis and it is growing the business in a variety of key market segments and customer supply chains. These include steel, construction and the offshore renewable sectors. 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.
 
As a Port Services Apprentice, you will form part of the Port Services and Infrastructure team, developing skills in order to deliver cargo handling services with particular emphasis on the operation of Port plant, machinery, for manual handling and also in relation to vessel mooring/unmooring operations.
 
The Port forms part of Sunderland City Council, where there is a strong commitment to apprentices and training. You will be provided with unparalleled support throughout the duration of your programme.
 
You will develop the skills you need for the job by working alongside our experienced staff, gaining hands on experience at the same time as working towards a Level 2 Port Operative qualification delivered by Port Training Services in Blyth.
 
What you will be doing:
  • Assisting the redelivery of various cargos to road transport with the use of forklift trucks and loading shovels
  • Learning how to perform slinging and de-slinging of various cargos, both on board vessels and quayside
  • Learning how to operate plant and machinery in both quayside operations and warehouse tasks
  • Developing skills and knowledge of logistics and weighbridge duties
  • Learning how to work in a safe manner under strict H&S rules 
 What we’re looking for:
  • At least four GCSEs at level 4/C or above, including Maths and English (or the ability to gain Level 2 in both subjects as part of your apprenticeship)
  • Basic ICT skills
  • The ability to drive
  • A passion for learning and continuous professional development
  • The ability to communicate
  • The ability to work as part of a small team, productive team
  • Able to abide by rules and health and safety requirements
  • Happy to work in a role which is physically demanding, working at height and in a ship’s hold, in all weather conditions 
What we offer: 
  • A structured apprenticeship programme with full support from a trained assessor to complete the qualification
  • A workplace mentor to provide on-going support
  • Access to numerous development opportunities
  • On-going support and encouragement from a knowledgeable and friendly team
  • A range of benefits that promote wellbeing and help you thrive - at work and in everyday life 
Come and be part of something meaningful and help shape the future of our City!
 
Please note, in order to be eligible for an apprentice you must meet the following criteria: 
  • Must be 18 or over at the start of this particular apprenticeship;
  • Not in full-time education;
  • Be a UK citizen or have proof of right to work in the UK; 
  • Have lived in the UK/EEA for the last 3 years or more;
  • Must have the legal right to work in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship
  • You cannot undertake an apprenticeship if you already have a higher qualification in the same subject 
For an informal discussion about this post please Sven Richards, Port General Manager, Sven.Richards@sunderland.gov.uk
 
Applications should be made on-line at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. For further assistance contact Customer Enabling Services by email: jobs@sunderland.gov.uk
 
Please note that CVs are not accepted.

Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered online with North East Jobs, including your invitation to any online assessment you are required to undertake and your invite to interview if you are short-listed. Please check your email inbox after the closing date for notifications as you may not be notified by any other means. Please remember to check your junk mail items.
 
Please note
This job is closed for applications.
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