National Apprenticeship Week 2026

In joining the celebration of National Apprenticeship Week 2026, our Digital Marketing Apprentice, Madison, caught up with fellow Apprentice Georgia to talk about her experiences at Shoreham Port so far.

Georgia is an HR apprentice who joined our People team in early September 2025 and is currently working toward her CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice. Guiding the discussion is Madison, who joined the Port’s Communications team in September 2024 and is nearing the end of her Multi-Channel Marketer Level 3 qualification.

Madison: Hi, Georgia. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me about your apprenticeship journey so far at Shoreham Port!

To start, could you walk us through a typical day in your apprenticeship and how you find managing college work?

Georgia: Every day, the People Team have a morning catch-up where we discuss what our workday looks like, including any tasks that need to be completed or projects we’re working toward. This enables me to plan out my day as best as I can, although something urgent might come in, and then the whole day could change, meaning no two days look the same. I also spend time shadowing other colleagues in order to develop my learning and skills throughout my apprenticeship, in addition to collaborating on projects with other teams. This means that you get the opportunity to work with different colleagues.

I also have a set college time, which amounts to half of my off-the-job learning. To make up the other half, I work on my college assignments throughout the week – this works for me and the People Team as I’m constantly able to get hands on experience, and I’m not missing out on work experience. Both my manager and college are supportive and allow the correct amount of time for me to complete my college work and are always there to help support if managing time is difficult.

Madison: There are many different educational routes and paths you can take. What inspired you to choose an apprenticeship, and at what point did you realise that Shoreham Port was the right place for you?

Georgia: I was inspired to choose an apprenticeship as it’s an opportunity to learn in the workplace, gaining both a qualification and invaluable work experience. You can learn from people who are passionate about what they do and want to share their knowledge and skills with you,  building your foundational knowledge in your chosen career path. I felt that Shoreham Port was the right place for me when I found out how much the people who work at the Port are committed to helping create new careers for people that want to learn.  

Madison: What skills and knowledge do you feel like you have gained since starting your apprenticeship?

Georgia: Since the start of my apprenticeship, I have gained so much experience in a relatively short space of time, which has helped my confidence grow. I’ve learned how important attention to detail is in my role and how to manage my time, with both work and my college studies. In addition, I’ve developed problem-solving skills, communication skills and teamwork skills whilst building up knowledge in my chosen career. Some of the things I have done since starting my apprenticeship are developing an online application form for vacancies and an apprenticeship webpage for our website.

Madison: What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship at Shoreham Port, and is there anything you wish you had known before starting?

Georgia:  My advice to potential candidates is to spend time researching the apprenticeship they want to apply for, and to be sure it is something you want to do, as an apprenticeship is a big commitment. Alongside this, my advice would be to attend the Port's ‘Getting To Know Us Evening’. It’s a really good opportunity to learn not just about working life at the Port, but the history and uniqueness of the environment. You will get to meet a lot of people who work at the Port from all levels, including apprentices, where you can find out more about what they do, as well as answer any questions you might have about working here or about apprenticeships.  

Starting an apprenticeship can be daunting as you don’t know what to expect, but it’s ok not to know everything straight away, and you’re not supposed to. You will have mentoring support from your manager, team and the wider colleagues you encounter. It can be worrying asking questions, but everyone has to start somewhere, and the more questions you ask, the more you will learn for both work and your college course.  

Madison: I agree with you Georgia. No matter what stage you are at in your educational or career journey, entering a new work environment, especially in a role you haven’t trained for yet, can feel overwhelming. However, at the Port, everyone is here to support your growth and share their knowledge. You will look back on your experience and realise just how far you have come. An apprenticeship is definitely a rewarding experience.

Madison: Thank you, Georgia, for taking the time to answer my questions and sharing your thoughts about your Apprenticeship and working at the Port!

Could an Apprenticeship at Shoreham Port be right for you?

We usually open our Apprenticeship applications in Spring, host ‘Getting to Know Us’ (May) and ‘Getting to know you’ (July) days, with Apprentices starting work in September. You can stay up to date with the latest vacancies at Shoreham Port by signing up to our monthly newsletter and following our social media channels.