Elizabeth Shaw, Assistant Buyer.
Elizabeth recently joined the group, with an apprenticeship complimenting her full time role.
"One of the biggest drivers for me wanting to join Peel Ports was actually the apprenticeship opportunity that was offered alongside the role. I’ve worked in companies prior where there was always talk of apprenticeship learning but it never quite worked out."
"Here, it was made so easy to begin the course, my managers always make sure i've got time to study and everyone in the team offers such supportive advice. I know at Peel Ports, I have the best of both worlds with both earning and learning and it’s a big motivation to know the company is happy to support me becoming more qualified in my field."
"The variety of knowledge you gain is incredible"
"Although I’ve been here less than 6 months, the variety of knowledge you gain is incredible. The scope of work is so varied and that means my role and my learning can be kept relevant to each other. I’m now working towards my next set of exams, focusing on contracting and my team have given me a contracting task related to the infrastructure at our port locations!"
"An apprenticeship can seem daunting, knowing you have to balance both the full-time job role and the academic learning but with the support systems that are offered at a company like Peel Ports, you are well set-up for success."
Nick Norris, IT Apprentice.
This variety of opportunity is also shared by Service Desk Analyst Apprentice, Nick Norris.
"Every day, with how big this business is – you learn something new. An issue will pop up that you’ve never seen before but you can work through it with the team and add to your repertoire of skills. It might then not come up again for 6 months, but when it does – you’ll be ready!"
"I initially came into the company knowing not much about IT at all! Thankfully, in a business like this, that was far from being to my detriment – As an apprentice, it ensured I could be trained from the ground up and learn everything I needed at the right pace."
"The pride I've developed in myself has been immense"
"It feels challenging at times but with each module you pass, you gain confidence in your job role and it’s a great foundation to build a long-term career on."
"At the moment, my learning is mostly ‘on the job’ as I’m coming towards the end of my apprenticeship. It’s nice to look back and see the progression in yourself, from online classes to applying your knowledge to real, live problems."
"I’m now thinking ‘what’s next?’ and the training Peel Ports offers is great – I have the opportunity to go on and specialise in any area of IT. I get to choose what suits my career goals best and I’m really excited to continue my development journey here."
Kieran Sait, Engineering Supervisor.
12 years after completing his apprenticeship, Kieran continues to up-skill himself.
"Learning 'hands on' was always the big thing for me. I knew I wanted to be an apprentice as it was the path that would give me the academic qualifications whilst still interacting with real tasks and individuals who had years or even decades of experience."
"Now that I’ve got that practical experience, I want to continue upskilling myself in any way I can. I’ve recently enrolled on a mechanical engineering degree at University so once again, I'm classed as an apprentice all these years later!"
"I'm delighted the company continues to support me."
"I've been here 14 years now. From apprentice to team leader and working across multiple sites and it’s the right time to continue developing myself and delve further into the academic side of engineering. I think having that balance is going to allow me to then teach the next crop of apprentices just as I was taught a fair while back now!
"Completing that ‘full circle’ of my engineering role is going to be incredibly rewarding and I'm delighted the company are continuing to support me."
Mark Sinnamon, Head of Engineering.
Mark has spent 20 years with Peel Ports, with an apprenticeship laying the foundation for his successful career.
"I almost fell into the apprenticeship route. I remember attending the interview mainly for the experience and I just kept getting through to the next round until finally, I was offered the role! Looking back it was an incredible opportunity to receive at 16 years old and I’ve grown to massively enjoy engineering and the work I get to do every day.”
"There's so many projects to be part of here. Its a great place to learn skills for life."
"Be creative, innovative and learn from those around you."
“When I started here I was a child, I couldn’t drive or go out! I've grown up in this business and you do become passionate about the people you work with and the community you serve."
"Its cliché but it is more than a business. You see the investment in infrastructure and the development of employees and you really are encouraged to make your mark here"
"My advice? After a 20 year journey from apprentice to department head. Be creative, be innovative and be a sponge for knowledge with all those around you! This isn’t a business that stays still and if you can move with it, you will go far.”
