New collaboration to support port skills development and raise sector visibility

Port Skills and Safety and EngineeringUK are working together to advance shared ambitions around skills development, workforce insight, and wider sector promotion.

This new collaboration brings together the strengths of both organisations, underpinned by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support collaborative work across 2025-26. Areas of focus include sharing insights, raising the visibility of port progression pathways, and better understanding future workforce needs, particularly those linked to engineering and technology.

Through the agreement, PSS members will benefit from free access to tools and STEM resources supporting consistent outreach activity via EngineeringUK’s Tomorrow’s Engineers Code, as well as opportunities to contribute to consultations and calls for evidence that shape future skills and education policy.

With ports undergoing rapid technological change, from automation and digitalisation to alternative fuels and offshore renewables, the demand for engineering and technology skills is growing. This agreement supports joint work to better understand those needs and promote the capabilities required now and in the future.

Debbie Cavaldoro, CEO, PSS:

“Ports are changing fast, and the skills required to support that change are evolving just as quickly. This agreement allows us to work more closely with EngineeringUK to understand emerging workforce needs and share learning across sectors.  

“It also gives our members the opportunity to access practical tools and have their voice heard in wider skills discussions, which is essential as we work together to shape a future-ready, skilled workforce.” 

Rebecca Everitt, Director of Business Development and Partnerships, EngineeringUK:

“With growth high on the UK’s agenda and a widening skills gap in key roles, it has never been more important to increase the number and diversity of young people choosing engineering and technology careers.

“EngineeringUK works with all sectors to address this challenge and inspire the next generation. We are delighted to be working more closely with Port Skills and Safety to ensure that young people from all backgrounds understand the breadth of opportunities available, and can see a role for themselves in this important sector.”

The MoU builds on established engagement between the two organisations and reflects a strong alignment between PSS’s skills strategy and EngineeringUK’s strategic strands. Both are committed to evidence-based action and collaboration to support workforce resilience, diversity, and long-term growth. 

The agreement runs as a one-year pilot, with a review to assess progress and consider future collaboration. 

See PSS Vision and Strategy to find out more about the PSS skills strategy and areas of current work.

To find out more about EngineeringUK, visit https://www.engineeringuk.com/