PD Ports and Teesside University welcomed the first 15 delegates on the newly launched Foundation Degree, specifically created for those working within the Ports Industry.
Launched in late September, the Foundation Degree, in Leadership and Management (Ports) is offered over two years on a part-time basis. Some of the students have not studied for over 30 years and the course will recognise that they need help to rejuvenate their learning skills.
The 15 delegates span a number of diverse roles throughout the PD Ports Group. These include employees from dock and port operations, engineering backgrounds, IT and sales & marketing.
Led by Teesside University's director of programmes, Adrian Evans and programme leader, Lesley Mulcahy, the delegates spent the first two days of the course being introduced to the programme and getting to know their fellow delegates.
David Robinson, PD Ports' group chief executive officer, said: "We are delighted to see the first round of delegates start the Foundation Degree. The response from our employees to join the programme was overwhelming and far outweighed our expectations. This is a true reflection of the dedication and commitment of our employees to further develop their leadership and management skills within the organisation, as well as fulfilling personal aspirations to more effectively develop their career potential."
The degree is delivered using a Masterclass approach which has been developed by Teesside University on similar very successful programmes. The Masterclass will be delivered at the University by a lecturer and a senior PD Ports employee who will offer practical examples of how the lessons from the degree course can be applied in practice at the Port.
Teesside University has gained high profile recognition for the success and credibility of its foundation degree in leadership and management and has recently won two Times Higher Education awards in the category of Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative and overall University of the Year.