News:
December 2011

Date: 20/12/2011

PD Ports joins forces with Middlesbrough college to deliver first class training programme

PD Ports has joined forces with Middlesbrough College to deliver a set of training programmes, which will aim to further improve the company’s already impressive health and safety record, as well as enhance leadership and management skills at Teesport.

The company is committed to continually improving the management of health and safety throughout the business and in recent years has developed a number of schemes to embed a ‘safety first’ philosophy within the organisation.

This new initiative will provide a framework for those working in supervisory roles to progress their careers within PD Ports, whilst ensuring a consistent level of knowledge in both health & safety and supervisory management best practice.

Starting in spring 2012, the programme, involving over 70 staff members, will be delivered over a two year period. Once completed, employees will achieve an Institute of Leadership and Management NVQ up to Level 5, as well as an IOSH Managing in the Workplace or NEBOSH Certificate.

An official signing ceremony took place at PD Ports’ Middlesbrough based headquarters earlier this week, where David Robinson, PD Ports Group Chief Executive Officer (above left,) and Middlesbrough College’s Principal and Chief Executive, Mike Hopkins (right) formally committed to delivering the initiative.

Commitment

Russ McCallion, PD Ports’ Group HR Director, said: “As a business we are now one of the safest ports and logistics operations within the UK, consistently performing better than the national target set by the Ports Skills Safety, the skills and safety training arm of the UKMPG (United Kingdom Major Ports Group) year on year.

“Our aim is to not only refresh our existing training and skills programmes but to develop and implement new ones. In doing so we will continue to position health and safety as a key priority of the business and further drive down accident levels to a zero target across the PD Ports Group.

Mike Hopkins, Middlesbrough College’s Chief Executive, added: “Middlesbrough College is very proud to be delivering management and health and safety training for such a prestigious company. PD Ports plays a significant role within the Tees Valley economy and for us to be working with the company is a very significant vote in confidence to our commitment to the Tees Valley business community."

David Robinson, PD Ports’ Group Chief Executive Officer, added: “As we move into 2012, we are looking to engage with the wider industrial community on Teesside to further collaborate on issues such as training and skills, and deliver greater prospects or work, employability and skills development in the area.”