PD Ports Apprentice – Harry Wheildon

Now studying one day per week at college alongside four days working at PD Ports, Harry spoke to us about his role, the support he is offered, and what it’s like to be an apprentice at PD Ports.

How are you progressing with your apprenticeship at PD Ports?

I am really enjoying my role here at PD Ports. Being a part of the PR, Marketing and Communications department there is a lot to take in as we deal with several projects at once.  Therefore, it is key to understand every area of the business, meaning I’ve already gained a lot of knowledge and experience.

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

Similar to many young people, I wasn’t sure what the right path for me was after college. I could have got a degree by going to university but, in the end, I realised I wanted to have a blend of education and work experience by doing an apprenticeship.

When I saw the opportunity arise at PD Ports to be a Marketing & Communications Apprentice, I explored what it could mean for both myself and my career. After my research and an interview at PD Ports, I saw how much they could offer and I knew that if I was given the opportunity I would take it.

What sort of tasks to you deal with on a daily basis?

As part of my job role, I often find myself spending a lot of my day communicating with people both within the business and external, to plan events and meetings within the marketing team as well as helping manage workloads by assigning tasks and by helping others within the team. I also help create content this is often for social media and blog posts.

What do you most like about your role?

At first, I found the ability to balance multiple tasks of varying complexity and with a range of deadlines very difficult to understand, however now it is growing to be one of my favourite parts of my job.

Balancing my own time and doing what works best for me and knowing the company trusts me to manage my own workload is interesting as well as reassuring.

What support are you receiving as an apprentice?

Being based at the Head Office I am surrounded by hard working, experienced colleges whose interdependence was immediately apparent. They rely on each other to make this company work. This empowers me to reach out to anyone I need to help me both develop my skills in the workplace and at college.

Finally, how do you see your career developing in the future?

I can see myself working with PD Ports for the foreseeable future. They have supported me so much. As a company they are great to work for, they have assisted me in every way I have asked for and created a work culture here which is supportive and friendly.

Find out more about PD Ports or take a look at more apprenticeship journeys on our Careers Hub.