Peel Ports Group Obtains Learner Provider Status and Becomes First UK Port to Deliver Full Suite of Maritime Qualifications
Workforce Development and Industry Excellence
(Text and images copyright Rebecca Sweeney / Peel Ports reproduced with kind permission)
Peel Ports Group has officially achieved accredited learning provider status, marking a major step forward in its commitment to workforce development and industry excellence.
As an approved provider, the Group is now delivering port-specific training directly to employees, including Level 2 and Level 4 Port Marine Operations Officer programmes.
A Level 3 Apprenticeship is also set to launch imminently, positioning Peel Ports as the first UK port to offer all three levels of this nationally recognised qualification.
This milestone reflects Peel Ports Group's ongoing investment in skills, safety, and operational capability across its port estate. And positions it alongside major employers such as Amazon UK, IBM, National Grid and Jet2 on the government's apprenticeship provider and assessment register.
Training is already being provided to employees across the Group's UK operations, with its apprentices currently spanning from age 16 to 64.
The move allows Peel Ports Group to tailor training to its specific business needs, while also addressing areas that have historically lacked formal qualifications in the sector.
Plans are already underway to expand the Group's programme of qualifications to fit a wider scope of maritime employees. It hopes to offer Level 3 Management qualifications and Level 2 Customer Service qualifications soon.
The move forms part of Peel Ports Group's wider aims to help tackle the skills shortage across the maritime sector, by delivering qualifications tailored specifically for ports.
The courses will be regularly adapted to reflect industry trends and operational requirements, helping to build the unique skillset required of port workers.
Claire McKay, Head of Learning and Development at Peel Ports Group, said:
"This achievement is about more than just status, it is about creating opportunities for our people at every stage of their career.
"People have always been at the heart of our operations, and learning provider status allows us to go even further with internal training. By developing and delivering qualifications in-house, we can nurture local talent and ensure our workforce has the skills to meet the demands of a changing industry.
"Being recognised as a training provider also reinforces our role as a leader in workforce development within maritime and logistics. We are setting a benchmark for our sector; while also supporting the key industries we serve including construction, retail and energy."
Further Information:
Peel Ports Group is the UK's second largest port operator, owning and operating six of the UK's most important ports (Liverpool, Heysham, Manchester Ship Canal, Medway (Sheerness / Chatham), Clydeport and Great Yarmouth). It also operates a container terminal in Dublin and owns BG Freight Line, which provides short sea container services between the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe and Peel Ports Logistics, one of the UK's leading shipping and freight forwarders.
Peel Ports handles approximately 70 million tonnes of cargo every year. 14% of the total UK major ports traffic flows through ports operated by the Group. Headquartered in Liverpool, it employs around 2,000 staff.
