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Birmingham Post

Business

David Laister

Women at the forefront of port operations lead latest ABP recruitment drive as perceptions sunk

ABP Humber Associated British Ports Stena Line

One of the Humber’s biggest employers is challenging outdated perceptions to ensure women are at the heart of its ongoing recruitment.

Associated British Ports chose International Women’s Day, held during National Careers Week, to launch its latest drive, with a continual need for apprentices and other positions highlighted.

Taking place at Port of Immingham, with a new brochure produced featuring women from varied roles across the economy-empowering business - it is seeking to address the current 93 per cent male figure within its ranks.

Simon Bird, regional director at the Humber ports, said: “We strive to inspire women to take on roles which they may have never considered. Ports and logistics have traditionally been male orientated and at ABP we are challenging that old-fashioned perception as we increasingly recruit more women to our crucial industry.

“In the Humber ports we have many females working across a range of roles, some front line, some office based, all bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and not all with a maritime background. We hope this campaign inspires people to think of a career with ABP which will be truly rewarding as we help boost growth around Britain’s coast.”

And the featured ambassadors were out in force to underline the rewarding career option, with efforts praised by those helping to open the eyes of the next generation to what is on their doorstep. Schoolgirls from the town’s Coomb Briggs Primary Academy were welcomed to take in the docks and explore the equipment used by some of the emerging role models.

Helen Redmond, headteacher at the Immingham school, said: “This is absolutely key for the children, they do so much classroom learning so to get out in the community and see the jobs and opportunity is really good for them. This is on the doorstep, but they may not know much about it.”

And she feels that the improving parity in sport can transcend into work. “All the sporting achievements, the women’s football, girls are definitely realising they can do what boys can. It is great for them to have the opportunity to see that.”

Port of Immingham is the biggest by tonnage in the UK, with the class talked through the everyday items that arrive over the quaysides.

Lottie Downes, 10, said: I have never been to the docks before. I want to learn about how the cranes work, there are lots of buttons, how do they know which ones do what? It would definitely interest me, I like buttons and I like heights, I love rollercoasters!”

Megan Lord, 10, added: “It is really good to learn about jobs we may like to do, and great to see we can do anything.”

From world-leading high-reaching cranes to small diggers winched down into the hulls of vessels to help discharge all materials, the equipment was opened up to the enthused group.

Rosie Baker, a port operative, joined ABP five years ago from Grimsby Fish Market, progressing to crane driving.

The 28-year-old gave a Bobcat demonstration. “When I started the job some people said to me I couldn’t do it. It has been nice to prove them wrong, to prove I can do it. It is a good job, a well paid job with plenty of opportunities.”

Amy Airey, another port operative and brochure cover star, joined Associated British Ports after working in mental health. She added: “I’m a single mother of two children and wanted a job whose working hours were flexible enough to allow me to parent and earn a wage.

“I’ve always felt I’ve had to prove myself as a woman and it’s not the case here. The jobs are not exclusively for men, if you want it, go for it as anyone can do it.”