During National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we’re meeting the apprentices working in the port sector. Here we meet Ellis Mitcheson, a port operative apprentice at Port of Blyth.
Why did you choose a Port Operative Level 2 apprenticeship with Port of Blyth?
I saw this apprenticeship as an opportunity to help start my career within a reputable and high achieving business. This apprenticeship has supported me with its in-depth training programme and talented instructors, helping me to improve my skill set in the workplace. I have thoroughly appreciated working every day within a professional and welcoming environment.
What does your role involve?
My day-to-day role at Port of Blyth consists of loading and unloading goods using specific plant machinery. This typically includes loading wagons and unloading containers following off a vessel. I am given regular training by Port Training Services, gaining new plant licenses, knowledge, and confidence through courses and time spent with instructors.
What were you doing before you started your apprenticeship?
Prior to this apprenticeship, I was working for a welding and fabrication company, which included lots of work at the HM Naval Base in Portsmouth. This gave me an understanding of what working in a port environment is like and it gave me an interest in pursuing a role in a similar environment back at home. The Port of Blyth has always stood out to me as a workplace I wanted to be part of, and being given this opportunity has opened a lot of doors for me.
I would definitely recommend working in the port sector, as it provides a long-term sustainable career that is always progressing.
