Jim French, Director of PD Portcentric Logistics, part of the PD Ports Group, shared his knowledge of the maritime and logistics sector with head teachers and careers staff at the FutureReady Conference held in Newton Aycliffe.
The conference, organised by SCHOOLS NorthEast, the first and only school-led regional network in the UK, covered key themes including good careers guidance and school-business engagement.
During the session, Jim French spoke about the activities that PD Ports is currently involved with to increase young people’s awareness of industry on Teesside. This included the High Tide Foundation, which focusses on the businesses around the River Tees, and the Logistics Academy, a new scheme established to provide a pathway for young people to enter the Logistics sector.
Jim also gave the senior leaders an insight into PD Ports and its many operations to provide knowledge in support of careers guidance.
Mike Parker, Director of SCHOOLS NorthEast, commented on the event: “Being ‘FutureReady’ is more than just being told about career options in Sixth Form. Children who are encouraged to develop the skills and characteristics that will allow them to flourish after leaving school will have brighter and more fulfilling careers. It is important that this happens throughout their education, beginning in primary school and continuing throughout their school years.
“It was invaluable having Jim French there on the day to shine a light on the logistics sector. There is phenomenal scope for young people to build strong and diverse career within a sector that plays such an important role in all our lives.”
Jim French, PD Portcentric Logistics’ Director, commented: “Conferences like this provide an opportunity to inform teachers on the real opportunities available in industry. As one of the region’s largest employers, inspiring and motivating young people to build a career in the maritime and logistics sectors will underpin our future success.
“We know there is a certain misconception about these industry sectors and we’d like to change this by raising awareness of the exciting and dynamic careers available to young people.”
