Apprenticeships - England

PSS works in partnership with its members, industry stakeholders, and Skills England to lead the development and ongoing review of port-specific apprenticeships in England. This includes the occupational standards and associated assessment plans, ensuring that apprenticeships reflect current industry practice and support the development of a competent, safe, and skilled workforce.

There are currently four apprenticeships that PSS has supported in developing:

• Port Operative
• Port Marine Operations Officer
• Marine Pilot
• Harbour Master (retired)

Skills England is responsible for approving and maintaining apprenticeships in England, ensuring they meet employer and occupational requirements.

An apprenticeship in England is based on an occupational standard and assessment plan. The occupational standard defines the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for occupational competence, while the assessment plan sets out how that competence is assessed.

Apprentices are employed and complete a programme of structured training aligned to the occupational standard. This includes workplace learning, off-the-job training, and the opportunity to apply and develop new skills in their day-to-day role.

Apprentices must demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the occupational standard to successfully complete an apprenticeship.

There are over 650 apprenticeships approved for delivery.

Further information on port apprenticeships, funding and how apprenticeships work in England is available in the PSS Guide to Apprenticeships in England below.