02-Apr-2007

The Port of Felixstowe is celebrating after receiving two awards for its work in the community. The Haven Gateway’s ‘Investing in Communities’ Achievement Awards were given to the Port in recognition of their work in the ‘Passport to Success’ scheme, and the ‘Moving On in Logistics’ initiative.

‘Passport to Success’ is a sector-specific mentoring scheme, conceived by Suffolk Education Business Partnership, which aims to support young people through developing their skills, and helping them to gain specialised knowledge of an industry in which they are interested.

A total of nine Port mentors have joined the scheme; seven from the Engineering Department, and two in ‘general’ business roles. They have been working with students from Suffolk Schools, the majority of which come from Deben High School in Felixstowe.

The ‘Moving on in Logistics’ initiative is managed by Suffolk College, and aims to ensure that new employees entering the ports and logistics sector have the necessary basic level of skills to allow them to succeed in the industry. The Port has worked closely with the College to develop new materials which are easy to follow, and give new and current employees ‘skills for life’ training.

Chris Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, owners of the Port of Felixstowe commented:

“We are very proud to receive these two awards which highlight the extent of our involvement in the local community. There is a pool of talent locally which is vital to the future of our business. The Port has worked in conjunction with our partners to ensure that available resources are maximised to the greater benefit. We will continue to work with them, to ensure that the ports and logistics sector remains a highly skilled and attractive industry in which to work”.

The awards ceremony took place in The Galleria Suite, Ipswich Town Football Club, on Wednesday 28th March 2007.