APPRENTICES of the maritime industry welcomed the Maritime Minister to the Port of Southampton to discuss their roles as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

During the visit on February 3, Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani MP met with the apprentices working in different strands of the maritime industry, who shared their experiences and also their prospects for the future.

In return, the Minister discussed the government‘s ambitious strategy to encourage more young people to seek out rewarding careers in the sector.

Nusrat Ghani MP, said: "It‘s fantastic to see ABP’s continued support of apprenticeships and the many opportunities for recruits to learn new skills and help shape the future of our industry.

"Encouraging more people to join the maritime sector through apprenticeships is a priority for government. It‘s great that ABP is making such progress in supporting new talent and growing the maritime workforce."

ABP is one of the UK's port operators, who now have more than 70 apprentices on their books and every year, the company hosts an apprentice awards ceremony to highlight their achievements.

Alison Rumsey, ABP Chief HR Officer, said: "We are lucky to have an incredible cohort of apprentices join us every year who are driven, passionate, and full of the entrepreneurial spirit needed to develop our leaders of the future.

"I look forward to seeing them learn, develop and grow as, through their apprenticeships, they bring forward ideas that will help to transform the maritime sector.“