Today, Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading and best-connected port operator, has launched its popular Graduate Training Scheme 2021, as the company looks to attract talented graduates with the potential to become future leaders in the maritime and logistics industry.

Image Caption: Night photograph of the Port of Hull

Applications are now open for five Graduate roles in a variety of specialisms, including Port Management, Human Resources, Property and Finance across different locations including ABP’s Head Office in London and Ports on the Humber and Southampton.

The scheme will commence in September 2021 for successful candidates and will run for two years. During this time, graduates will undertake several placements across at least two locations, covering various aspects of the different functional environment. They will also enjoy wider development opportunities with the support of a senior mentor.

Katie Pearce, Commercial Management Graduate, who applied for the scheme in 2020, commented: “It is amazing to be a part of an organisation like ABP that has a direct role to play in this country moving towards a greener economy, with greater collaboration and more opportunities for all.”

Zac Millar, Port Management Graduate in Southampton, who applied in 2020, added: “What stood out to me about the ABP Graduate Scheme was the variety it offers. I believe that the opportunity to experience different parts of the business will help me gain a well-rounded understanding of what contributes to its success and also its role in the wider maritime sector.”

Every year, ABP handles around 25% of all UK seaborne trade – more than 85 million tonnes of cargo. Collectively the ports handle around 1.4 million containers, 1.7 million vehicles and around 3 million cruise and ferry passengers each year. ABP also owns and runs Britain’s busiest inland rail terminal, Hams Hall.

Kerry Thompson, Head of ABP Academy, commented: „We’re looking forward to hearing from passionate graduates interested in pursuing a fulfilling career in maritime and logistics. Our scheme really offers a fantastic opportunity to explore and learn about different departments within our organisation and build up knowledge about the industry.”

As a leader in the maritime industry, ABP is working hard to improve gender parity by supporting initiatives such as Women in Manufacturing and the Women in Maritime Taskforce. After becoming the first UK port operator to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) designed especially for women in July 2019, ABP’s ports in Southampton and East Anglia were recognised by Maritime UK’s Diversity in Maritime Charter for their success in implementing initiatives to attract a more diverse workforce in January 2021.

ABP is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting sustainable supply chains. Since 2014, it has invested in electric vehicles, alternatives to plastic, and the company is on track to become one of the UK’s largest corporate producers of renewable energy.

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 28th March. Candidates are invited to follow this link to apply: www.abpgradcareers.co.uk.

More information about the different Graduate roles available at ABP, can be found in our Graduate Training Brochure.