Harwich Haven Authority increases its apprenticeship and graduate programme

07 November 2024

Picture caption: (left to right) Finley Webb, Zak Baker, Oscar Anderson, Chris Mud, Hollie McGarry

Demonstrating their commitment to investing in future talent, Harwich Haven Authority has recently welcomed three new apprentices and a graduate to their operations, which brings their total cohort of trainees to ten.

The latest trainees have been recruited from the local area and have taken up apprenticeships in marine operations, IT and a graduate training position in the Survey team.

“We have been astounded by both the number of applications we received and the quality of the applicants”, said Helen Rudd, Strategy & Partnerships Director, Harwich Haven Authority.

“We are very focused on bringing new talent into the industry and promoting careers within the maritime sector. As a trust port we are committed to playing a positive role in our local communities, so we are always keen to offer employment opportunities to people living within our area of jurisdiction.

“They are a talented group of men and women whose ages range from 20 years old to 40 years old. Some of our trainees have also joined us from established careers in other sectors.

“Our selection process focuses very much on the individual attributes of those applying and their attitude because we offer comprehensive training working with experienced training providers. We are excited to see them develop and go on to have fulfilling careers in this economy-critical sector.”

The success of Harwich Haven Authority’s  ‘learn and earn’ trainee programme has also been recognised by the nationwide initiative the 5% Club. This gives recognition to employers who aspire to achieve 5% of their workforce in earn and learn positions including apprentices, sponsored students and graduates on formal training schemes.

Trainees currently working through the marine apprentices’ programme include Oscar Anderson, Zak Baker, Jordan Gleave, Hollie McGarry, Finley Webb, Lucy McGain and Chris Mudd. Eve Painter is completing an apprenticeship in IT and Leane DuToit joins as a Graduate Surveyor (Hydrography).

“I was so happy to get the news that I’d been accepted on the training programme,” says Apprentice Hollie McGarry.

“The content of the apprenticeship, which includes block release learning with training provider SeaRegs, really suits me because I like being hands on.

“Everyone, including my manager, has been extremely friendly and I quickly felt like part of the team. It’s not the  usual choice of career for many young women, but my friends and family are very proud of my achievement. If I was to give advice to other young women considering a career in the industry, I’d say if you are looking for a job that gives you lots of variety and you enjoy being hands on, I’d say ‘go for it’.”

Harwich Haven Authority currently employs 128 people and has jurisdiction over the 150 square nautical miles of the Haven. For current vacancies visit www.hha.co.uk

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For further information contact: Fiona Brunning, Corporate Affairs Manager, Harwich Haven Authority. Email: [email protected] or telephone 07425 632090