Search
Close
Search
News from the BPA Publications Our Members Events Newsletter Signup Members' area Search Menu

Careers Hub

The British Ports Association is the national membership body for ports in the UK, representing 86% of all UK port traffic. We work hard to promote this thriving industry, both to the public and to government and see our role as essential in advocating not just for the major ports operators but also the key workers that keep our economy afloat. We aim to work towards an equitable, diverse, and transparent ports industry, and provide the secretariat for the Association of Participating Bodies of the Pilots’ National Pension Fund.

The British ports sector plays an essential role in the UK economy. 95% of the UK’s international trade, both imports and exports, pass through the ports and they are essential hubs for the energy and tourism sectors. A major part of that success story is our people; the dedicated individuals who keep our industry running through thick and thin.

The UK ports industry directly employs approximately 115,000 people, and creates additional jobs in logistics, energy, and tourism. However, more than that, the ports sector provides real opportunities for coastal communities and offers excellent career prospects for enthusiastic and talented people from all walks of life.

And not all ports careers require maritime experience. Positions in engineering, finance, and health and safety are just as much in demand as marine pilots, deckhands, and divers. So long as you have the drive to succeed, the ports sector wants you!

Key skills are always in demand, and the industry provides excellent opportunities for development in a practical setting. No matter what your talent, there is a job for you. These are just a few of the positions available in this vibrant and exciting industry.

  • ACCOUNTING and FINANCE

As with many industries, ports derive much of their income from day-to-day banking, invoicing customers, and other financial works. As such, there are several opportunities for accountants and finance officers in the ports industry. This can range from an Accounts Assistant, who provides clerical and smaller budgetary duties, to the Chief Finance Officer who is responsible for developing control systems designed to preserve assets.

  • ENGINEERING

Ports would cease to function without the hard work and experience of engineers. Electrical, mechanical, and apprentices are all essential to the running of ports, and often to excellent career progression within both their discipline and the port operator themselves.

  • ENVIRONMENTAL

Due to our coastal nature, the ports sector views themselves as custodians of some of the most spectacular and diverse areas of the British coastline. As such, the industry takes this role seriously and positions are open for environmental and sustainability officers. From investigating potential breaches in conduct to coordinating pollution policy, environmental positions form a large part of the social compact between operators and their communities.

  • HEALTH & SAFETY

Our people are the secret to the port industry’s success and keeping them safe from harm is a top priority. Health and Safety Managers conduct audits, inspections, and guidance for all 115,000 people in the sector and work frequently with our colleagues at Port Skills and Safety to ensure standards are maintained.

  • COMMUNICATIONS

Communications is of ever-increasing importance to the ports industry, as we aim to be more than just economic hubs but also drivers of investment in the local community. Public relations and communications managers play a key role in this mission, providing online comms, press releases, and internal publications. There is also the business aspect to consider, and marketing assistants are pivotal in the creation and distribution of market research and company branding.

Much of the ports sector relies on the accrued knowledge of thousands of industry veterans who understand their work inside and out. However, that knowledge is best passed on not through the classroom but by practical, real-world experience that only apprenticeships can offer. There are hundreds of port-based apprenticeship opportunities throughout the UK, providing internationally recognised qualifications and paid positions for everyone from school leavers to career changers.

The ports industry is committed to the principles of equality and diversity, believing that only through embracing different people from different backgrounds can new and successful ideas be allowed to propagate. The sector provides a wide range of jobs, allowing people to work to their strengths while exploring new career paths and possibilities. In recent years, BPA has worked with Maritime UK on their Maritime Careers Hub and Ethnicity in Maritime Initiative to encourage people, regardless of age of demographic, to consider working in a maritime setting. As an island nation, it makes sense.

The following ports industry jobs have been sent to us by our members.

Please download the attached files or click the links to view.

If you are a member and would like us to add a vacancy please contact us.

To find out more about Maritime Careers please click here.

To find out more about Apprenticeships and career pathways click on to the Port Skills and Safety website to find out more.

Careers In UK Ports

Learn more about working in the ports industry with the vast skills and jobs needed within a port

Electrical Maintenance Engineer – Port of Tyne

We are seeking applications from experienced Electrical Maintenance Engineer To carry out planned and reactive work to the Port’s plant, vehicles, equipment, infrastructure, marine and buildings. You will work within a large maintenance team covering a wide range of duties including, carrying out electrical engineering maintenance work on all electrical services, systems, plant and equipment (planned and breakdown), electrical installation works in a timely manner and in accordance with all safety standards, procedures and current regulations.

Marine Port – Port of Cromarty Firth

  • Application date:
  • Employer:
    Port of Cromarty Firth

The Port of Cromarty Firth is a Trust Port which exists to improve, safeguard and develop the Cromarty Firth as a Port for the benefit of stakeholders and is a self-financing commercial business.

 

We are looking for an experienced Marine Pilot to join our team. Based in Invergordon, Scotland, the successful candidate will be responsible for safe pilotage of vessels and structures for the Cromarty Firth Pilotage District. You will train to achieve a Class 1 unrestricted licence, and provide expert knowledge to clients, colleagues & support emergency response.

 

The ideal candidate will have experience working in a similar role, experience in ship handling on a variety of vessel types, with various vessel propulsion and manoeuvring systems and knowledge of safety and regulatory responsibilities for pilotage.

Estate Team Cleaner – Shoreham Port

Do you have a strong work ethic, take pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, and want to work in a variety of different environments? Our estate cleaning team work across a variety of areas including tenanted offices, operational space and marinas. You will work both inside and outdoors, often enjoying spectacular sunrises across the Port. As a high-performing team, you will have the opportunity to plan your work and be involved in occasional maintenance tasks to support the Property team.

Marine Pilot – Port of Aberdeen

We are looking for an experienced pilot to join our team, with an aptitude for ship-handling, capable of conducting acts of pilotage, as required under the Port of Aberdeen Pilotage Directions.

The Marine Pilot will support the Harbour Master and team in facilitating the safe and efficient handling of shipping as required by the Aberdeen Harbour Acts and all relevant sections of the Port Marine Safety Code.

The post holder will be responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of navigation of vessels which request the services of an authorised pilot and will conduct the safe movement of vessels from sea and berth in accordance with appropriate procedures.

Business Administration Apprentice – Port of Blyth

The Role

The successful candidate will learn administrative duties including, but not limited to:

  • Office document processing (Word, excel, Destin8 etc.)
  • Office assistance (filing, photocopying, record making etc.)
  • Taking telephone calls, recording messages, emails.
  • There will be an element of this job that requires training that is outside of the apprenticeship framework, this will be provided and will enhance a successful candidate’s skillset for the future.

Required Skills

This position will require the successful candidate to be organised, motivated, have high standards throughout, have good customer relations and both willing and able to work flexibly (during busy periods).

In order to fulfil your duties, you may be asked to complete other activities by your Line Manager.

Full driving license preferred but not essential; need to be able to travel as you may be required to work at our Battleship Wharf site in Cambois, Northumberland.

Warehouse Apprentice – Port of Blyth

The Role

The Port of Blyth is looking for a Warehouse Apprentice to train in warehouse and logistic duties. The ideal candidate must be:

  • Willing and able to work flexible shift patterns (during busy periods)
  • Able to conduct yourself professionally and keep confidential information
  • Numerate and literate

Key Skills & Duties in which you will be trained

  • Pick stock accurately
  • Record dispatch notes, receipts and or stock information
  • Report stock damages and discrepancies appropriately
  • Check stock orders
  • Work as part of a team
  • Awareness of Health & Safety
  • Unload and load vehicles / containers
  • Transfer goods into the warehouse
  • Palletise / wrap goods for despatch
  • Licence to drive Forklift Trucks & port vehicles

In order to fulfil your duties, you may be asked to complete other activities by your line manager.