National Apprenticeship Week 2024: Apprenticeships at PSS

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2024, we’re highlighting the importance of apprenticeships in ports.

On ‘Celebration Friday’, we hear from PSS’s first apprentice, Archie Turvey, on why and how he became an apprentice in this sector and what advice he would give to others considering it.

Archie Turvey, marketing and communications apprentice, PSS

What appealed to me the most about the apprenticeship role at PSS was the opportunity to get into a marketing role. Through my studies at school and college, I had always had an interest in media.  I wanted to gain real experience and put my education into practice, as opposed to sitting in a university classroom and being taught about the experiences of others. 

My working days vary to meet the needs of members and whether we have events, training or meetings coming up. I regularly deal with member queries, post content on our website and social media platforms and support the team with articles and safety alerts.

The most interesting part of my role is going to conferences and events and visiting ports. These experiences have offered me a different perspective that I wouldn’t get from just being in an office. 

Before working with PSS, I hadn’t considered joining the sector. I didn’t realise how many different opportunities there were in the industry, I just knew that ports import and export.

For anybody thinking about an apprenticeship in ports, I would advise them to go for it! There is a wide variety of opportunities in the industry to choose from. Do your research and make sure the role you’re applying for fits the career you want to pursue.