Port Operative Apprentice

James Fisher and Sons; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

James Fisher and Sons in Plymouth is offering a Port Operative Apprentice role at Cattedown Wharves. This 12‑month apprenticeship, reporting to the Wharf Manager, will train you in discharging and loading ships, loading lorries, and general port operations while you attend Sea Regs training centre.

You will join a team of 5 port operators; you must hold a full UK driving licence and at least 3 GCSEs including English and Maths, plus basic Microsoft Office skills.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Full UK driving licence.
• A minimum of 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grades A-C / 9-4, including English and Mathematics.
• Basic competency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Familiarity with digital communication platforms.

Responsibilities

• Assist with a busy Port operation in Plymouth including loading/unloading cargoes to/from ships or road transport.
• Follow safe systems of work and conduct risk assessments.
• Be willing to train to operate new machinery.

Skills

Driving licence

English & Maths GCSEs

Microsoft Office

Digital platforms

Education

GCSEs A-C (English & Maths)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Port Operative Apprentice

12-month apprenticeship

Plymouth, Cattedown Wharves.

The Role:
Reporting to the Wharf Manager. Working in a team of 5 Port Operators, we are looking to recruit a Port Operator Apprentice to join the Port team.
Duties will include learning to discharge and load ships, drive heavy plant machinery (extra training and certification given), load/ unload lorries, and general day to day activities on a busy commercial port.
The apprenticeship is for 12 months and requires attendance at Sea Regs training centre for courses and qualification.
You will be trained on all aspects of shipping operations and legislative responsibilities involved in handling animal feed products.

Key Duties and responsibilities:

• To assist with a busy Port operation in Plymouth including the loading and unloading of cargoes, to and from ship's or from road transport, warehouses containers.
• Ability to follow safe systems of work and risk assessments.
• Must be willing to undergo training to operate new machinery.

You will need a flexible approach to working as the hours are in line with vessel arrival and sailing schedules, including weekends and occasional unsociable hours.

Key skills, knowledge and experience:

• Must hold a Full UK driving licence
• A minimum of 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grades A - C / 9-4, including English and Mathematics.
• Basic competency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Familiarity with digital communication platforms.

Who are we looking for?
You will need excellent organisational and time management skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a proactive, "can-do" attitude and a willingness to learn.

Why join us?

Competitive benefits tailored to the division.
Opportunities for career growth and visibility across the organisation.
A supportive, inclusive culture that values your ideas and contributions.
Work that truly makes a difference in safety, innovation, and global capability.

About Us:

James Fisher is a global engineering services company with over 50 years of experience delivering complex offshore energy projects in some of the world's most challenging environments. We operate across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport, leveraging cutting-edge technology and deep expertise to support the full lifecycle of our customers' assets.

Visit our website at:

Maritime Transport - With nearly two centuries of maritime shipping and innovation, James Fisher has an unrivalled reputation for quality, safety and reliability.
Our long-standing customer partnerships allow us to deliver the highest possible standard of maritime solutions. As a global specialist in ship-to-ship transfer and coastal shipping, James Fisher is a recognised market leader in the movement of the world's critical resources.
Ensuring safety at sea and in port, and investing in the fleet of tomorrow, James Fisher is shaping the future of maritime.

Cattedown Wharves is a vital commercial port facility in Plymouth, owned and operated by James Fisher and Sons plc.
Located on the Cattewater harbour, it specialises in handling and storing bulk liquids, petroleum, animal feed, and dry bulk cargoes like clay and aggregates.

James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.