Port apprentices chart new careers

A North East port operator is celebrating the successful completion of three apprenticeships as it strengthens its skilled workforce in Sunderland.

Port of Sunderland has confirmed that Keenan Summers, Martyn Foster and Owen Marshall have completed their two-year Port Services apprenticeships and will now move into full-time roles as port services assistants.

During their training, the trio gained hands-on experience across a range of operational activities, supported by mentorship from supervisory cargo team leaders and port training services. 

They completed formal qualifications enabling them to operate key port plant and machinery, alongside training in working at height, slinger banksman duties and manual handling. 

Most recently, they have supported logistics operations, including weighbridge management.

To mark the achievement, Sunderland City Council hosted a mini graduation ceremony at Sunderland City Hall, attended by Sunderland City Council chief executive Patrick Melia and councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council.

The event formed part of National Apprenticeship Week 2026, underlining the importance of apprenticeships in nurturing local talent and strengthening the regional economy.

Matthew Hunt, director at Port of Sunderland, said: “It has been fantastic to see Keenan, Martyn and Owen grow over the past two years with the support of our great mentors and establish themselves as members of the port team.

“Throughout their apprenticeships, we have seen them hone their skills, become more confident and gain valuable experience, all while earning the real living wage and contributing to the vital work of the port, so it gives us great pride to see them now becoming full-time members of the team.

“Apprenticeships provide great opportunities for young people and we’ve seen this first-hand. 

“In fact, we have a number of long-serving employees who started as apprentices and have grown with the business and hopefully we will see Keenan, Martyn and Owen go on to have just as successful careers of their own.”

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