UKSA work experience at the Port of Dover

The Port of Dover is working with the national charity UK Sailing Academy (UKSA), which helps to change young people's lives through maritime training and experiences. As part of the UKSA's East Kent Change Direction programme, in which participants study a wide range of marine activities, the Port is providing 12 work placements from August to October that will provide them with eight days each of hands on experience of maritime activity at Europe's busiest international ferry port.

Simon Davies, UKSA's Director of Youth Development, said: "We have created a course to inspire young people, give them life and work skills, and help them be creative with their job search. It's completely unique and is already a proven success story, creating transformational opportunities. We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone at the Port of Dover who is working on this programme with us. The opportunity to be inspired by so many proactive employers will be a huge benefit to these young people."

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: "I am delighted that, in addition to our extensive apprenticeship commitments, we can provide meaningful maritime work experience to this group of young people by supporting the great work of the UKSA."

The Port will also be hosting a special presentation event at Dover Cruise Terminal on 16th August 2013 to celebrate the achievements of all those who have participated in the programme. It will be attended by the families of all of the students, both those who came to the Port and those who have worked with other organisations.

Nigel Holmes, Kent County Council Skills and Employability Manager said: "This is an outstanding local example of the type of collaboration which Kent County Council's 'Skills and Employability Service' is promoting between key partners across Kent as a part of the Local Authority's 14 to 24 Strategy. The partnership between the Port of Dover, Job Centre Plus and the United Kingdom Sailing Association will ensure that those young people involved can aspire to our ambition."