Case Study: Apprentices at Shoreham Port

During National Apprenticeship Week 2026, Shoreham Port shared an interview between two of their apprentices. Their digital marketing apprentice, Madison, caught up with fellow apprentice Georgia to talk about her experiences at Shoreham Port so far.

Georgia is an HR apprentice who joined our people team in early September 2025 and is currently working toward her CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice.

Guiding the discussion is Madison, who joined the port’s communications team in September 2024 and is nearing the end of the Multi-Channel Marketer Level 3 qualification.

Madison: Hi, Georgia. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me about your apprenticeship journey so far at Shoreham Port. To start, could you walk us through a typical day in your apprenticeship and how you find managing college work?

Georgia: Every day, the people team has a morning catch-up where we discuss what our workday looks like, including any tasks that need to be completed or projects we’re working toward. This enables me to plan out my day as best as I can, although something urgent might come in, and then the whole day could change, meaning no two days look the same. I also spend time shadowing other colleagues in order to develop
my learning and skills throughout my apprenticeship, in addition to collaborating on projects with other teams. This means that you get the opportunity to work with different colleagues.

I also have a set college time, which amounts to half of my off the job learning. To make up the other half, I work on my college assignments throughout the week – this works for me and the people team as I’m constantly able to get hands on experience, and I’m not missing out on work experience. Both my manager and college are supportive and allow the correct amount of time for me to complete my college work and are always there to help support if managing time is difficult.

Madison: There are many different educational routes and paths you can take. What inspired you to choose an apprenticeship, and at what point did you realise that Shoreham Port was the right place for you?

Georgia: I was inspired to choose an apprenticeship as it’s an opportunity to learn in the workplace, gaining both a qualification and invaluable work experience. You can learn from people who are passionate about what they do and want to share their knowledge and skills with you, building your foundational knowledge in your chosen career path. I felt that Shoreham Port was the right place for me when I found out how much the people who work at the port are committed to helping create new careers for people that want to learn.

Madison: What skills and knowledge do you feel like you have gained since starting your apprenticeship?

Georgia: Since the start of my apprenticeship, I have gained so much experience in a relatively short space of time, which has helped my confidence grow. I’ve learned how important attention to detail is in my role and how to manage my time, with both work and my college studies. In addition, I’ve developed problem-solving skills, communication skills and teamwork skills whilst building up knowledge in my chosen career. Some of the things I have done since starting my apprenticeship are developing an online application form for vacancies and an apprenticeship webpage for our website.

Madison: What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship at Shoreham Port, and is there anything you wish you had known before starting?

Georgia: My advice to potential candidates is to spend time researching the apprenticeship you want to apply for, and to be sure it is something you want to do, as an apprenticeship is a big commitment. Alongside this, my advice would be to attend the port’s ‘Getting to know us’ evening. It’s a really good opportunity to learn not just about working life at the port, but the history and uniqueness of the environment. You will get to meet a lot of people who work at the port from all levels, including apprentices, where you can find out more about what they do, as well as answer any questions you might have about working here or about apprenticeships.

Starting an apprenticeship can be daunting as you don’t know what to expect, but it’s ok not to know everything straight away, and you’re not supposed to. Apprentices have mentoring support from their manager, team and the wider colleagues they encounter. It can be worrying asking questions, but everyone has to start somewhere, and the more questions they ask, the more they will learn for both work and their college course.

Madison: I agree with you Georgia. No matter what stage you are at in your educational or career journey, entering a new work environment, especially in a role you haven’t trained for yet, can feel overwhelming. However, at the port, everyone is here to support your growth and share their knowledge. You will look back on your experience and realise just how far you have come. An apprenticeship is definitely a rewarding experience.

Madison: Thank you, Georgia, for taking the time to answer my questions and sharing your thoughts about your apprenticeship and working at the port!

Shoreham Port usually opens their apprenticeship applications in Spring, host ‘Getting to know us’ and ‘Getting to know you’ days in May and July respectively. Apprentices start work in September.