National Apprenticeship Week 2018

Last week Bristol Port showcased their trailblazing apprenticeship scheme by attending not one, but two apprenticeship fairs in Bristol as part of the UK'S National Apprenticeship Week 2018.

The first fair was held at WISE campus at SGS College and the second was held at City of Bristol College and their South Bristol Skills Academy. Both events were attended by the Port's very own apprentices who spoke to a number of students and job seekers about the opportunities available at the Port. First year apprentice Connor said 'I came from working in restaurants and in sales and working at the Port is completely different. From the first day I started, people came up to me to say hello and spoke to me like I was part of the team straight away. Bristol Port is a community in itself and made me feel so welcome. The job is one where you will never be bored because there is so much going on that it opens up so much potential. It's inspiring to know most of our managers started out as apprentices so I know there is a good chance that I will become a manager if I apply myself.'

Over 30 other companies from around the Bristol area exhibited at the fairs, including Bristol Airport, Babcock, Airbus and NHS to name a few. Both fairs were visited by numerous secondary schools, sixth forms and college students looking for the next step in their careers. One visitor to the stand, 19 year old Robert from City of Bristol College spoke with Connor about the Port Operative apprenticeship scheme and said 'I never thought this sort of opportunity would be available but I could totally see myself doing it. I look forward to maybe doing an apprenticeship with Bristol Port, it looks amazing.'

Bristol Port is looking to take on ten more Port Operative Apprentices by June. For more information on the Bristol Port Company visit https://www.bristolport.co.uk/about-us/bristol-port-company-today