Forth Ports has welcomed 20 new apprentices and graduates across its UK operations, creating career opportunities in the ports, logistics and maritime sectors while developing the skills needed to sustain global trade and future growth. In line with its focus on local talent and global trade, the business is opening accessible pathways for people living near its ports and underlining its long-term commitment to nurturing future talent.

The latest intake includes 15 apprentices joining teams in Scotland and Tilbury across Business Administration, Operations, Facilities, Engineering and IT. A further five graduates have started in Marine, Engineering, Operations and Business Intelligence through Forth Ports' Graduate Programme.

The new starters recently gathered at the company's annual Emerging Talent Launch Day to meet colleagues from across the organisation, hear from senior leaders and learn more about Forth Ports' operations and career opportunities. The event also helped apprentices and graduates build networks across sites and functions and connect with current and former programme participants.

This cohort strengthens Forth Ports' early careers community and reflects ongoing investment in skills, workforce development and succession planning. Over the past 12 months, the company has recruited 34 apprentices and graduates across the UK. Forth Ports is a gold-accredited member of The 5% Club, recognising employers that demonstrate a meaningful commitment to workforce development through apprenticeships, graduate programmes and other earn-and-learn opportunities.

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The announcement coincides with four graduates from the 2024 Graduate Programme progressing into substantive roles across Marine, Business Intelligence and Engineering after two years of development and contribution to the business.

So far in 2026, 22 former apprentices and graduates have moved into permanent roles across Forth Ports after completing their development programmes, underscoring the organisation's commitment to growing talent from within.

Forth Ports is also celebrating the success of its Tilbury Operations apprenticeship cohort, where all nine apprentices completed their programme with training provider Locomotivation and achieved a Distinction, highlighting both their dedication and the quality of talent emerging across the business.

Kirsty Summers, Emerging Talent & Development Advisor at Forth Ports, said: "It has been fantastic to welcome our newest cohort and see the enthusiasm, ambition and potential they bring. Our apprenticeship and graduate programmes are designed to support, challenge and inspire individuals as they develop their careers."

"We are equally proud of our graduating cohort, whose final presentations showcased the impact they have made across the business over the last two years. Their progression into substantive roles highlights the long-term value of investing in talent, creating meaningful career pathways and developing future leaders within Forth Ports. We are also proud that many of our apprentices are continuing their careers with us, moving into permanent roles and contributing to the future success of the business. Growing and retaining talent in this way demonstrates the lasting value of investing in skills and developing people for the future."

Apprenticeships and graduate development remain central to Forth Ports' people and ESG strategies. By working closely with local schools, colleges, universities and training providers, the company creates opportunities in nearby communities, improves access to meaningful careers and aligns programmes with current and emerging skills needs. This approach supports a sustainable talent pipeline and builds the capability required for the future growth of Forth Ports' UK-wide operations.

For more information about careers and future opportunities with Forth Ports, visit the Careers section of the Forth Ports website: www.forthports.co.uk/careers