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Port Services Apprentice
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.
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
- To work in a flexible manner, regarding working hours and the type of role that is carried out, to enable the Port of Sunderland to deploy operatives in the most cost effective and strategic manner
- To develop skills in order to deliver cargo handling services within the Port of Sunderland with particular emphasis on the operation of Port plant, machinery, for manual handling and also in relation to vessel mooring/unmooring operations
- Where required, to undertake non-cargo handling services commensurate with training, experience, and qualifications, as required by cargo and other port managers
This is a development role linked to the Level 2, Port Operative Apprenticeship, and the post holder will be provided with training in the required skills and responsibilities over the duration of their qualification, in order to be able to undertake the full range of duties listed below:
- To maintain effective communication in a range of methods, including via telephone and UHF digital radio, to work collaboratively with port management, team leaders, and team members
- To establish and maintain positive relationships with port customers, stakeholders, supply chain partners and external agencies/organisations
- To ensure all work and documentation are completed within appropriate deadlines
- To develop the ability to complete all required documentation, with a need to facilitate the recording of cargo and maintenance/inspection records etc.
- To ensure accuracy for the physical receipt and re-delivery of cargoes and the associated paperwork
- Redelivery of various cargoes to road transport with the use of forklift trucks and loading shovel
- Slinging and de-slinging various cargoes, both on board vessels and quayside in accordance with safe working procedures
- Operate plant and machinery in both quayside operations and warehouse tasks
- Responsible for safe and appropriate use of all plant allocated to carry out a given task
- Undertake vessel mooring and unmooring operations
- Perform all running and maintenance checks as per agreed procedures
- Keep all equipment cabs clean and in good condition
- Report all faults with allocated plant or equipment to appropriate Cargo Team Leader
- Perform basic checks on lifting equipment before use
- Develop skills and knowledge of logistics and weighbridge duties
Where you'll work
Capstan House
Barrack Street
Sunderland
SR1 2BU
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
BLYTH HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS
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Training course
Port operative (level 2)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Follow port sector procedures in line with sector regulations and legislation.
- Follow procedures in line with health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
- Identify and report hazards and risks in the workplace. Take action to mitigate hazards and risk.
- Comply with safe systems of work and apply control measures.
- Identify hazardous goods.
- Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Comply with port security measures.
- Follow instructions provided from information, for example, text, data, job card, work instructions, risk assessments, method statements, operation manuals, or permits to work.
- Use equipment and machinery.
- Follow procedures to ensure safe movement of traffic, goods, or pedestrians around the port.
- Carry out pre-operational checks.
- Comply with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance.
- Follow techniques for waste management across the port.
- Escalate issues of concern.
- Follow equity, diversity, and inclusion principles.
- Use information systems. General data protection regulation (GDPR). Cyber security.
- Communicate in writing with others for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
- Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
- Record or enter information - paper based or electronic.
- Apply team working and wellbeing principles.
- Uses cargo handling techniques.
- Use toolbox talks.
- Classify cargo.
- Load, unload, or store cargo.
- Follow a loading, lift or stow plan.
- Identify, record and report pre-existing damage or new damage.
- Secures the load, for example to maintain the integrity of the cargo, or to prevent damage to the vessel.
- Use techniques to coordinate planned cargo movements for example, hand signalling or radio communication.
- Provide equipment or assistance for passengers to embark and disembark a vessel.
- Follow procedures for secure passenger access.
- Carry out operational tasks related to passenger vessels, such as loading and unloading commodities and products, assisting the vessel, its occupants and vessel staff.
- Follow procedures for damaged, lost, unclaimed, unlabelled, unaccompanied, or suspect baggage.
- Use techniques and equipment to handle baggage and items.
- Complete site checks.
- Take action to mitigate the risks to passengers where there are adverse weather conditions.
- Identify customer needs and deliver a service to meet those needs, resolving queries or problems.
Training schedule
Port Operative Level 2.
Desirable qualifications
- GCSE in:
- English (grade Level 4 or above)
- Maths (grade Level 4 or above)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Customer care skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
- Flexible & adaptable approach
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Other requirements
- Due to the nature of the work involved in this post and working nightshifts, applicants must be 18 or over at the start of the apprenticeship
- Hold a full, valid driving licence
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- 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
- Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship
Sunderland is a fantastic, forward-looking, ambitious city undergoing significant transformation and economic regeneration. From the seafront and the city centre, to building locations of national strategic significance, we are creating the very best conditions for our 280,000 residents who live here and those who come to the city to work. We provide a huge variety of services across the city, currently employing approximately 2,500 people in many roles ranging from gardeners to building maintenance technicians, ICT experts to social workers and many more. At all levels we work together to achieve real change across the city. Sunderland is one of the few cities in the UK to be situated on the coast, whilst benefitting from easy access to the countryside, a short drive from two international airports, direct rail access to London and less than a twenty-minute drive from Durham and Newcastle. We have a growing cultural scene. Sunderland Empire theatre attracts high-profile West End productions, and the Fire Station is Sunderland’s premier live music and performance venue. Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens and Northern Gallery of Contemporary Art are all close to the city centre. Sunderland is a great place to work. Wherever you’re coming from, you’ll discover a place – and people – that will make you feel at home.
Company benefits
- Access to LG Pension Scheme
- 26 days leave + bank hols
- Statutory & organisational sick pay
- 3 days paid leave per year for voluntary work
- Employee wellbeing support
- Discounted public transport travel pass
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions. You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Port Services Assistant
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
Sunderland City Council
Sven Richards, Port General Manager
Sven.Richards@sunderland.gov.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000046881.
Closes in 12 days (Wednesday 19 August 2026)
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