Health and safety wasn’t a career path I had initially considered. It wasn’t that I was uninterested—it just wasn’t something highlighted in career guidance at school or college.
What first caught my attention about the apprenticeship at PSS was how unique it seemed. Upon carrying out some research, I quickly realised just how integral the health and safety is to our daily lives and is particularly so within the port sector.
Health and safety is fundamentally about people. It goes beyond rules and regulations and focuses on the social, economic, and moral reasons for protecting ourselves and those around us. It also encompasses areas like mental health and inclusivity—topics that deserve more attention and open discussion. What really captured my interest, though, was understanding how these principles apply to ports.
I wish I’d known sooner about the importance of maritime and port safety. Like many people, when I first thought of ports, I imagined on-site workers and physical labour. But it’s so much more than that. Ports rely on a wide range of roles, all working together to ensure that everyone goes home safely at the end of the day. I’ve come to understand that health and safety underpins everything, whether you’re on-site or in an office—it affects us all.
What truly motivates me in this apprenticeship is the opportunity to make a positive impact.
As the Health, Safety, and Environment Technician Apprentice at PSS, I gather safety data from members, draft safety alerts and bulletins, and support events such as the Electric Vehicle Maritime Safety Conference and quarterly Port Safety Group meetings. I also assist with port HSE audits, gaining hands-on experience while developing my knowledge and skills.
I would especially encourage young people to consider careers in this sector. There are countless opportunities for growth and progression. In particular, I’d love to see greater diversity in ports, including more women pursuing roles in safety. This is an incredibly rewarding field where you can truly make a difference.
