Maritime Occupations (Wales)

Wales has several large ports offering a range of facilities including oil and gas terminals and ferry services.

The apprenticeship framework was developed with five pathways to develop new entrants and to upskill or reskill the existing workforce. Four of the pathways involve work at sea; the fifth, port operations, is shore-based.

The port operations pathway includes covers sea, river and inland waterway ports, quays, terminals, wharves, jetties, related facilities and associated handling and logistics operations.

Typical job titles

Port operative, stevedore, container operative, cargo operative, port plant operator, roll-on/roll-off driver, port warehousing operative, passenger operative, ferry operative.

Occupational profile

Port operatives unload and load cargo by various means operating lifting and plant equipment.

Qualifications

The following must be achieved as part of the apprenticeship:

• NVQ in Port Operations level 2
• Certificate in Stevedoring Essentials level 2
• Essential Skills Wales:
  • Application of number.
  • Communications.
  • Digital literacy.
  • Employability.
• Employee rights and responsibilities.

Level

This is a foundation level 2 apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements. Candidates must be working in a suitable role in order to gain the experience and knowledge required for the qualifications and in addition:

• Be able to meet standards of medical fitness appropriate to the operation of relevant lifting equipment and cargo handling duties.
• Willing to work in shifts and in an outdoor environment.

Typical duration

Minimum 15 months.

Progression

The port operations pathway enables progression to a Maritime Occupations level 3 apprenticeship with a choice of pathways.