Job Description
Job Title: Maintenance Operative Apprentice
Location: Port of Grangemouth
Compensation: £16,340
Start Date: 1st July 2025
Forth Ports is one of the UK's largest and most dynamic port operator groups, playing a key role in connecting the UK with Europe and beyond. As a multimodal ports owner and operator, we are at the forefront of delivering innovative port-related services. With our recent pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero status by 2042, we are committed to sustainability and driving the expansion of the UK's renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind. Now is an exciting time to join our team as we embark on this transformative journey towards a greener future.
We are proud to have hired Apprentices into our business for over 4 decades, and they remain an integral part of our talent pipeline. We are once again excited to be adding a number of Modern Apprentices to our workforce in 2025. Whether you are looking to begin your career, are considering a career change or a return to the world of work, we would love to hear from you.
At Forth Ports, we’re offering motivated individuals the chance to kick-start their careers with our Maintenance Operative apprenticeship. Over 4 years, you will perform routine repairs, compliance checks, and maintenance across port assets and properties, using a range of trade skills while ensuring safety, supporting port operations, and collaborating with various stakeholders and work towards a Construction Building SCQF Level 6 qualification—all while earning as you learn.
We will hold our assessment day for this role on 22nd April 2025 at the Port of Grangemouth where you will have the chance to meet some of the team and to find out more about the role and the apprenticeship. We will be in touch before then to let you know if you have been selected to attend.
Beyond our gates, your career awaits—are you ready to start your journey?
About The Role
What you will learn:
This hands-on role involves routine maintenance, minor repairs, and compliance checks using skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more. You’ll work with various tools and materials, ensuring all tasks meet health and safety standards while helping to maintain smooth port operations.
You’ll interact with specialist contractors, building occupiers, customers, and tenants, assisting in locating repairs and updating records using our maintenance management systems. While much of the work is indoors, you’ll also be required to perform outdoor maintenance and support port operations, including securing cargo, stevedoring duties, and crane signalling.
Guided by a supervisor or manager, you’ll be assigned tasks based on your skills and experience. If a job falls outside your expertise, you’ll be responsible for reporting it so it can be reassigned accordingly. This is a varied role requiring adaptability, teamwork, and a proactive approach to maintenance in a busy port environment.
What can we offer you?
* Full support and training throughout the apprenticeship programme, both on the job training and classroom learning
* A great opportunity to build a long-term career at the port
* A competitive salary
* Generous annual leave entitlement
* A defined contribution pension scheme and life assurance
* Health promotion events and employee wellbeing initiatives
* Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family
* Cycle to work scheme and on-site free parking
* Attractive Family Friendly Policies
* Employee discount platform offering discounts on UK-wide restaurants, car rentals, and holidays
* GymFlex health club memberships
* Supportive and collaborative work culture
What are we looking for?
* You will have a head start if you have already completed a Foundation Apprenticeship in a related field
* A minimum of three National 5 qualifications including Nat 5 Maths, Nat 5 English and Nat 5 in Technical Subject
* Individuals who are able to demonstrate a genuine interest in the work that we do at the port, and are looking to build valuable skills for your future career
* Strong problem-solving skills with a logical and methodical approach
* Good IT skills
* Proactive attitude towards learning and a commitment to completing the apprenticeship
* Ability to work at height, in confined spaces, and outdoor environments
* Full UK working rights
* UK driving licence preferred
We welcome applications from candidates of all ages to apply, but please note due to the nature of our work, we do require all candidates to be a minimum of 16 years of age.
We value diversity and inclusivity, and we are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and will consider all applications for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.
What is the Application Process?
1. Application: Apply via the link on our vacancies page with your updated CV and cover letter detailing your interest in the position. Please note the deadline for applications is Monday 10th March 2025.
2. Screening call: If your application is of interest, our Talent Acquisition team will be in touch for an initial discussion, answer any questions that you may have and invite you to the assessment centre.
3. Confirmation email: We will share an email to confirm what to expect at the assessment centre, anything that you need to prepare and what to bring on the day.
4. Assessment Day: You meet the team and get a great feel for why Forth Ports is for you! This will take place on 22nd April 2025.
We recognise that assessment centres may not be the best fit for everyone, so we are committed to offering alternative recruitment methods to ensure a fair and accessible process for all candidates.
Skills Needed
About The Company
Over our 50 years of experience we have witnessed our ports grow to become important assets to support and deliver growth both for the UK and local economies. The growth impact has been achieved due to the continued investments in our infrastructure, making sure that our ports are able to continually develop their services and support the growth of many industries.Our people have played a significant role. They have delivered the highest quality of service through their expertise, loyalty and flexibility and, without them, we could not have built the strong reputation and the long term agreements with many customers that we have today.
Company Culture
Welcome to Forth Ports Careers. As a leading port operator, we employ over 1,100 people across our ports in Scotland and the Port of Tilbury in London.A career in a port business is very rewarding. There is real variety within each role and significant opportunities for promotion and career development. Don’t just take our word for it; view the “Some of our People” section and the video below to gain insight into the kinds of jobs our employees do, how they’ve grown with us, and what motivates them each day.The port business can be seen as a barometer for the economy and this drives us to be adaptable and fast paced as we identify new business opportunities.
Desired Criteria
Required Criteria
* A minimum of three National 5 qualifications including Nat 5 Maths, Nat 5 English and Nat 5 in Technical Subject
* Will be aged 16 or above for 1st July start date
* Full UK working rights
Closing DateMonday 10th March, 2025