NEWS
Blog post: PSS visit to Portsmouth International Port
News |Published: Feb 4, 2025

In January, PSS Skills Lead, Angela Ward and Safety, Health and Environment Technician Apprentice, Umayya Rahman accompanied the Department for Transport (DfT) and Department of Work and Pensions (DfT) representatives on a visit to PSS members, Portsmouth International Port.
The DfT was represented by Alex Green from the global Intelligence and people and skills, logistics and supply chains policy team; and the DWP was represented by Carl Widdowson from the strategic relationship team. It was an opportunity to provide government partners with a greater understanding of the port sector and some of the challenges the sector can face to recruit and retain a skilled workforce.
Chris Hatter, Head of Compliance at Portsmouth International Port, hosted the visit and gave an overview of the port, its history and recent outreach work. The group was joined by Lorna Wagner of Maritime UK Solent and Katie Bruce of the Maritime and Transport Careers Programme who also gave an insight into their work in the Solent region.

There was plenty of discussion amongst the group and a range of skills initiatives were discussed to help attract people into the port sector including skills bootcamps, T Level industry placements and apprenticeships.
The group also heard from an employee at Portsmouth International Port and their remarkable career journey. Twelve years ago, when they first applied for a role with Portsmouth Council, they were homeless. Since then, through dedication and a commitment to learning, they have completed a range of training programmes and certifications, including an ILM in Leadership and Management, IOSH Managing Safely, and NEBOSH. Today, after progressing through a variety of roles at the port, they are thriving in a role they find deeply rewarding. It’s real journeys like this that serve as a reminder that prior experience is not essential for a career in the port sector. With good communication skills, an understanding of health and safety, and a willingness to learn matched with the right training and support, individuals can have great career progression within a port.
The day concluded with an informative tour of the port from Chris and seeing the final unloading of one of the ferries.

Thank you to Chris and the team at Portsmouth International Port for their hospitality and insights.
Getting out and meeting members and highlighting the important work they do, is a vital part of PSS’s work. To organise a tour of your port, please get in touch.