People
People
Employees & the workplace
Port of Dover’s employees are our most valuable asset.
Reflecting the commitment, drive, enthusiasm and care of a strong, dynamic and professional team at Port of Dover. Working together, one team, unified to deliver the best results.

The Port of Dover promotes a culture of anti-discrimination and equal opportunities, free from bullying, recognising professional skills and qualifications and where every person feels responsible for the performance and reputation of the company.
People
Recruitment
Apprenticeships, Work Placements and Bursary Scheme.
Here at Port of Dover, we operate a comprehensive apprenticeship scheme. Providing opportunities in electrical, mechanical, plumbing and construction through to ICT, customer service, marketing and business and administration disciplines, the scheme reflects the diverse nature of the business and the skills required. We also offer additional work placement and work experience opportunities in partnership with national charities such as the UK Sailing Association and Prince’s Trust.
The Port offers a bursary for students living in and around Dover. The aim of the scheme is to encourage local students to take up study at University in a port-related field with a long term view of them gaining employment with us. Such courses range from degrees in economics and business management through to civil engineering, mechanical engineering, marine technology and marine engineering.
Apprenticeships
It’s never too early to think about your future. We are offering a fantastic opportunity, across our business, to positive and motivated individuals who are prepared to commit to a professional apprenticeship programme. Candidates are expected to be committed to their learning and development as well as be reliable and flexible.
Training & development
We employ a dedicated training and development team with many training and development opportunities being provided at all levels of the organisation. The Port has also been granted approval by Oxford, Cambridge and RSA, the Chartered Institute of Environment and the Health Assessment Centre to deliver the following qualifications:
- CR Level 3 Diploma in Policing
- Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work
- Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work
- Level 3 Business Administration
Maritime skills and careers
We have been host to the Dover Marine Skills Festival held at Cruise Terminal 2, regularly host visits from schools, have worked with underachieving students who do not plan, or who are unable, to go to university, to inspire them in their career goals through focusing on different aspects of the Port, continue to work in partnership with Cardiff University by providing undergraduates with a 13-month work placement and has a successful partnership with Greenwich University in running joint end of year MBA and MA projects on issues specific to the Port of Dover.
Nurturing life skills through sport
We support grassroots rugby in Dover through our partnership with Dover Rugby Football Club (DRFC). We work together to help the young people of Dover develop the life skills that a game such as rugby can bring, as well as nurturing their talent in the sport by providing the support and encouragement that will help them to achieve their goals.
School visits
We host educational school visits throughout the year as well as visiting schools to talk about the Port, which includes primary, secondary and higher-education years.
University & professional partnerships
We have expanded our work to upskill graduates for the workplace by partnering with an increasing number of universities that offer relevant marine or environmental courses. These organisations include Cardiff University, Greenwich University, New Buckinghamshire University and PIANC UK Young Professionals.
Respect & recognition
Ensuring that fair and equitable policies are in place is vital in enhancing the working environment for all employees.
The Port has developed a behaviour framework focused on clear and concise communication, outstanding customer service, continuous self improvement, supporting colleagues, contributing to commercial success and leadership that inspires staff to give their best.
The Framework is based on the following six themes:
Communication
Communicating clearly and concisely so the Port’s message is understood.
Customer service
Providing outstanding customer service to all internal and external customers in line with business needs.
Self improvement
Continuously seeking to improve performance.
Working with others
Supporting colleagues to achieve business excellence.
Commercial focus
Taking pride in contributing in the commercial success and reputation of the business.
Leadership
Inspiring staff to give their best to achieve their potential and the Port’s business objectives.
The Port of Dover is committed to building a team of professional, experienced and dedicated personnel, working effectively for the benefit of the Port and its customers. The Port invests in its employees’ training and development, building their capabilities and skills to meet the business objectives and to support succession planning within the organisation.
People
Training & development
The Port of Dover employs a dedicated training and development team with many training and development opportunities being provided at all levels of the organisation.
The Port has also been granted approval by Oxford, Cambridge and RSA, the Chartered Institute of Environment and the Health Assessment Centre to deliver the following qualifications:
- CR Level 3 Diploma in Policing
- Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work
- Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work
- Level 3 Business Administration
People
Commitment to training potential future employees
As well as providing apprenticeships and a bursary scheme, the Port of Dover supports local students during the year by providing them with work experience. Such support will continue in the coming years.
The Port of Dover also participates in local and regional skills events, such as the ‘The Big Bang Near Me’ Skillsfest. This enables the Port to provide support and advice to young people preparing for the world of work and showcase opportunities within East Kent.
People
Training to enhance the Port’s emergency response
As well as training provided to maintain and improve ‘business as usual’, Tactical Emergency Planning and Strategic Emergency Management training is provided for all ‘On-call’ teams, people who may be called to deliver a range of responses in the event of a declared ‘Emergency’ or ‘Critical Incident’ at the Port of Dover.