(Left to right) Ellie Fordham, Port of Dover CEO Tim Waggott, Port Business Optimisation Manager Phil Horne
The former Dover Rowing Club member and Dover Girl’s Grammar School pupil will get £3,000 a year to support her studies for a BSC honours degree in mathematics at Portsmouth University.
She was one of six candidates vying for the award in the 2017 round of funding, which also gives the successful applicant a work placement in the Port to enhance their education.
Ellie, 18, who will be working with the Port’s business optimisation team, said: "I researched the Port of Dover and wider port management and operations while I was preparing my bursary application.
"That research showed the value mathematics can bring to the maritime industry - in particular, the master planning process which identifies port capacity, future demand and the impact of long term traffic forecasts. Much of my university course centres on statistics, operational research and modelling.
"In addition, Dover Western Docks Revival is a significant undertaking, and the opportunity to be involved in some way would be really exciting for me."
Ellie - Student of the Year 2015 at Castle Community College, Deal, and ‘Maths Ambassador’ at Dover Grammar School for Girls - also has experience of working in a busy environment. Last year, Dover District Council gave her a placement with its accountancy team between July and December.
Port of Dover Chief Executive, Tim Waggott, said: "Ellie’s application was incredibly professional and stood out among some very strong contenders from around Dover.
"Ellie researched the port industry and saw not only where the Port could help her progress but also where her skills could bring value to our operation.
"I’m extremely pleased that we’ll be supporting her at this crucial time in her education, and I look forward to working with her."
Port of Dover bursaries offer up to £3,000 per academic year for students in the postcode bands CT14 to CT17 who are looking to start port-related studies at university. These courses could range from civil, mechanical or marine engineering to accounting, economics or business management.
