The Port of Dover has been shortlisted in the Business Commitment to the Community Award category in this year’s Kent Excellence in Business Awards (KEiBAs) for its efforts to protect and promote the town’s maritime heritage, culture and tourism economy.
The Making Port Heritage Work project has seen the Port of Dover and Port & Community Forum work with local heritage and amenity organisations, including the district council, Dover Society and local visitor attractions. The aim is to help bring the Port and the town’s history closer to the community and visitors.
Tim Waggott, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, said: “This recognition is the result of the hard work put in by every one of our 300 employees, and our shared goal to be the best port in the world for our customers and community.
“We have reached out to the local community, to its schools, colleges and businesses, and together developed key events for the town, including the Port of Dover Community Regatta, and the proposed Heritage Trail.
“Through our work with the Port & Community Forum, the revival of the Western Docks and ongoing investment across the Port, we will be able to play an even bigger role in the long term future of Dover.”
The judges also identified work undertaken to support the career prospects of local young people, through a bursary scheme that helps local young people study at University in a port-related discipline, and its Apprenticeship scheme.
Apprentices Jason Scorer, 22, and Jamie Ward, 20, both from Dover district, have made it through to the KEiBA Apprenticeship of the Year category.
Jason Scorer became an engineering and mechanical apprentice at the Port and while working there has been studying for an HNC in electrical and electronic engineering at Canterbury College. He has also achieved a number of other NVQ and BTEC qualifications in pursuit of his ambition to be a multi-skilled electrical mechanic.
Following a year at Canterbury College studying a BTEC level 3 National Diploma in engineering, Jamie Ward knew he wanted a career in the industry and successfully applied to become a mechanical and technical apprentice at the Port of Dover.
Jamie is currently studying for a foundation degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Greenwich, funded by the Port of Dover.
He has also passed an NVQ level 2 in multi-skill maintenance mechanical/electrical and a level 3 BTEC diploma in engineering maintenance.
Tim Waggott said: “The ability to safely handle a vessel every 10 minutes of every day at the Port requires a highly trained, skilled and motivated workforce.
“We are absolutely committed to our apprenticeship scheme and the opportunities it gives to local young people. We are therefore absolutely delighted that the achievements of Jason and Jamie, nurtured by the Port, have been recognised and that they will be flying the flag for the Port at the KEiBAs.”
The Port runs a full programme of apprenticeships across the business, ranging from electrical, mechanical, plumbing and construction through to ICT, customer service, marketing and business and administration apprenticeships. There are 12 apprentices working at the Port.