Case Study: Operations Manager apprenticeship at Port of Blyth

Matty Boucheron from Port of Blyth gives an insight into his career path via the operations manager apprenticeship.

What is involved in your current role?
My current role is Trainee Terminal Manager at Port of Blyth, where I work within the Operations Department, overseeing operational activities at our Bates Clean Energy Terminal site.

As this is my first management role, I have enrolled on the Operations Manager level 5 apprenticeship which I have been undertaking for the last four months alongside my day-to-day job. This has provided me with valuable insights knowledge into leadership and management, which I apply daily in my role as I continue to learn and grow.

What inspired you to get into the port sector?
I joined Port of Blyth in 2013 at the age of 18 as a Warehouse Apprentice.

Before joining Port of Blyth, I worked as a carpet fitter but felt there was little opportunity for progression in that industry. When I saw the warehousing apprenticeship with Port of Blyth, I decided to apply knowing it could offer a path for development. Taking the role, felt like a step back at the time as it meant starting over in a completely different industry – but I have never looked back.

One of the most exciting aspects of working at Port of Blyth is that, even after eleven years, no two days are the same. This industry has given me the opportunity to progress from an apprentice to a manager – a role I could never have imagined when I first started.

When I saw the warehousing apprenticeship with Port of Blyth, I decided to apply knowing it could offer a path for development.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering applying for a role in the port sector, what would it be?
One piece of advice I would offer is to not let your current career, qualifications or experience deter you from applying. I joined the port from a carpet-fitting role, having never considered this as a potential career path. Taking what felt like an uncertain step to start again as an apprentice was daunting, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made – I have never looked back!

Hear more from Matt in the video below.