An ongoing strategy from PD Ports to attract, retain and develop local talent has hit a key milestone, as a cohort of employees graduated at Teesside University.
PD Ports partnered with the University's International Business School in 2018 to deliver the bespoke Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeships course.
Four years later CEO Frans Calje OBE expressed his joy at seeing the first cohort graduate and explained why courses such as this are vital to building a successful future for PD Ports.
Read more: PD Ports to increase supply chain opportunities with new venture
“I am so delighted for each and every one of our people who have graduated from their various courses this year,” said Frans.
“It fills me with great pride that we have a team that are so ambitious and committed to continuing their personal and professional development.
“We are incredibly proud of the relationship with have with Teesside University and truly believe the course that we have created enables us to build strong succession plans for the people that will shape the future of our business.
“By investing in our people we can not only enhance the abilities of employees to carry out their current roles but also give them the skills they will need in the future which will, in turn, ensure that PD Ports is able to continue to grow and adapt.”
The CMDA is an industry driven course that combines business education, work-based learning and professional development to support the growth of people currently in management level positions.
Given the opportunity to learn theoretical knowledge to underpin the practical skills developed whilst carrying out their daily roles, the cohort included individuals from a variety of functions across PD Ports including Bulks, HR and Compliance as well as a wide range of locations including Head Office, the Teesport Estate, Hartlepool and Groveport.
Len Overton, Operations Manager, said: “The opportunity presented to me by PD Ports to continue my academic journey at Teesside University 30 years after my last classroom lesson was not only a surprise, but a real show of support and intention from the company to enable its employees to reach their goals and believe that anything is possible.
“It also made my mum, and the rest of my family incredibly proud for which I will be forever grateful!”
Warren Harrison, Dean of Teesside University International Business School, said: “The success of this course demonstrates our commitment to working with partners in industry to develop flexible training solutions.”
Port donation
PD Ports also recently donated £1,000 to a fundraiser for Tees River Rescue.
James Trethowan of Borocuda Swim School and his brother-in-law, Mikey Benson, had embarked on a week-long gruelling challenge to cover the course of the River Tees from the source to the sea by walking, swimming, canoeing, tubing and paddling.
As legal guardians of the river, PD Ports holds water safety of paramount importance and offered a £1,000 donation for the efforts of James and Mikey in order to help them exceed their fundraising goal.
Ran by a dedicated team of volunteers, Tees River Rescue is an independent charity that provides education, support and reassurance for the public to raise awareness of safety in the water.
Read next:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here