Port of Tilbury Pre Employment Training
The ‘Thurrock Skills’ project was developed by Ixion in partnership with the Port of Tilbury, Thurrock Council and the Grays Thurrock Job Centre. It has become a highly effective programme delivering a skilled local workforce for a key employment sector. ‘Thurrock Skills’ has seen over 100 participants pass through the project with over 70% getting offers of employment at the Port or within its supply chain.
The programme is funded by Ixion and is delivered by the Ports own Logistics Academy, candidates work towards a Certificate in Warehousing, English, Maths and employability Skills. Participants are guaranteed an interview with the Port’s main employment agency, which supplies a large percentage of the Ports workforce.
The Port and its supply chain report that candidates who have completed the programme are more ‘work ready’, with a greater awareness of what to expect from the working environment and what it takes to sustain employment.
The programme gives opportunities to local people from a wide range of backgrounds who would have otherwise struggled to find employment including an ex-offender, who has now secured a full time role at the port.
One learner commented: “This programme has given me a new sense of direction in my life, helped me to discover myself and allowed me to see that I can do anything.”