PSS annual early careers data collection opens in September

PSS’s annual early careers data collection for 2025/26 will open on 01 September, giving members the opportunity to contribute to the sector’s second annual early careers dataset.

The annual return helps build a clearer picture of how UK ports are attracting and developing future talent through apprenticeships, graduate programmes, work experience, T Level industry placements, internships, and other early careers pathways.

The first data collection last year established an important baseline for the sector, providing valuable insight into the scale and breadth of early careers activity across participating member ports. This year’s return will build on that baseline, enabling PSS to begin tracking changes in early careers activity and strengthen the evidence base that supports the sector.

Continued participation from members that contributed last year will be particularly valuable in helping PSS track changes over time, while responses from new participants will broaden the coverage and strengthen the sector-wide picture. Zero returns are also valuable in helping to build an accurate picture of activity across the sector.

The information collected helps PSS to:

• Measure progress in early careers activity across the port sector.
• Identify opportunities to share good practice between members.
• Identify where further support or resources may be needed.
• Provide robust evidence to support discussions with government and other stakeholders on future skills needs.

Members are encouraged to begin gathering their information now so they are ready when the data collection opens. Information requested will include:

• Apprenticeships.
• Graduate programmes.
• Work experience.
• T Level industry placements.
• Internships.

The data collection spreadsheet and guidance notes will be shared when the collection opens in September. Members will have until Friday 30 October

Every response helps build a stronger understanding of early careers across the UK port sector and supports PSS’s work to champion the skills needed for the future.

The Early Careers Headline Data Report 2025, reflecting activity during 2024/25, can be viewed below.