On 12 June, we brought together a cross-section of industry, education, careers services, training providers, and local authority representatives to explore what a new entry-level route into port operations could, and should, look like.

Hosted by PD Ports, the workshop marked the start of a collaborative process to design a skills bootcamp that works for employers and learners alike. With port operators under pressure to find new recruits and fill skills gaps, there’s a clear need for a training pathway that builds confidence, speeds up onboarding, and reduces the burden on busy teams.

Rather than starting with qualifications, we focused on the real-world expectations of entry-level roles and what new starters need to succeed, from practical understanding to workplace behaviours. It quickly became clear that any new programme needs to strike a balance between technical awareness, safety, and the soft skills that underpin success in a dynamic port environment.

The day opened with a presentation from Honi Lees at the Tees Valley Combined Authority, who set out the opportunities available through the Skills Bootcamp model. This model offers flexibility, employer input, and fully funded places for eligible learners. The feedback from attendees reinforced the appetite for a programme that is short, focused, and directly aligned to job outcomes, with meaningful employer involvement built in from the outset.

We also heard how the current system can be hard to navigate, especially for career changers and those looking to return to work. The group explored how the programme might be adapted to support these audiences through wraparound support and pre-entry exposure to the sector.

The insights shared throughout the session will directly inform the development of a new pilot programme for the Tees Valley, designed in partnership with employers and tailored to the unique operational needs of the region.

Next steps include drafting a proposed structure for the programme, identifying delivery partners, and engaging with employers to shape recruitment and progression routes. We’ll also be looking at how we can better connect local people to port opportunities through improved careers advice and sector visibility.

This workshop is just the start, but it marked a significant step toward building a practical, regionally focused solution to one of the sector’s most pressing workforce challenges.

If you’d like to be involved in the next stage of the project, get in touch at info@teesmaritime.com. We’d love to hear from you.