In week commencing 9 October the Port of Dover announced that it was joining with the umbrella body for the maritime sector, Maritime UK, to engage people across the UK with the world of maritime and to highlight the vast array of rewarding careers on offer within the industry.

Maritime UK Week, running from the 10 to 16 October aims to raise awareness of the UK’s £46bn maritime sector; providing a platform to engage local communities and encouraging young people (and those seeking a new career) to consider a role in maritime.

As part of the week’s activities the Port of Dover undertook an ambitious programme of community engagement, including several visits by local pupils and an array of digital content.

On the first day of the week, 10 October, pupils from a local primary school were due to visit the Port as part of their project on Dover Harbour.

During their visit, the school pupils learnt about the rich history of the Harbour Board, the unique geography of the Port and how it has contributed to the economy over hundreds of years.

The following day, 11 October, travel and tourism sixth-form students were planning to have a visit to Dover’s cruise terminal for a tour and to go aboard Saga’s Spirit of Discovery. This vessel was Saga’s first purpose-built ocean cruise ship and was christened at the Port of Dover in 2019. This will provide an opportunity for students to learn first hand about the industry.

Later in the week the Port’s apprentices are due to tour Dover’s advanced cargo terminal to learn more about this thriving branch of the operation, to appreciate the logistical challenges of the cargo business and understand its place in the wider supply chain.

Furthermore, on every day of Maritime UK Week the Port of Dover is planning to share a profile on one of its apprentices, work placement students or graduate scheme employees on the Port’s  website and social media, to demonstrate the huge variety of job roles on offer and illustrate what the staff who work in the Port appreciate about the ports industry.

These profiles will provide an insight into a typical working day or workweek for these individuals at the Port.

Doug Bannister, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, commented: ‘We are delighted to be joining in with Maritime UK Week 2022 with our packed programme of school visits and digital content this week.

‘The Port of Dover is home to the largest local employment site in the area and we thus have an important role to play in engaging with the local community on the huge variety of roles available both within the Port and across the vibrant maritime economy.

‘We encourage anyone interested in a career at the Port of Dover to contact us at recruitment@doverport.co.uk  or take a look at our vacancy page*.’

* https://www.doverport.co.uk/about/recruitment/