The Port of Tyne has completed its largest-ever apprenticeship recruitment programme.

It created trainee roles in more areas of its operations, including accountancy, marketing warehousing and security. This new intake of apprenticeships takes the total number now working for the company to 16, with plans in place to further increase this by a further nine over the coming year. 

People taken on as part of the recruitment drive highlighted the benefits of being able to study while also gaining valuable practical experience. Meanwhile, others have already achieved accreditation in certain areas. 

Geoff Gillon, director of human resources at the port, commented: "People are at the heart of every thriving company and as a major north-east employer we have made bringing young people into our business a key priority."

He also claimed the inclusion of apprentices within its workforce was extremely important to ensuring the economic competitiveness of the business. Additionally, the company was able to recruit the right skills to suit its operations as a result of taking part in apprenticeship schemes.