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PD Ports has launched a new bespoke Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) with Teesside University to support the development of future leaders for the port and logistics operator.

With a relationship spanning over ten years, PD Ports, operator of Teesport – one of the UK’s busiest ports, has joined forces with the University once again to launch the three-year, part-time course.

This is the second degree programme PD Ports has collaborated on with the University following two groups of employees completing a bespoke Foundation degree in Leadership and Management in 2009 and 2011.

An initial cohort of 20 management staff from across the business have signed up for this new degree apprenticeship, which is designed to give participants the skills, knowledge and experience to lead the business in the years ahead.

Working with PD Ports, the University has developed a bespoke course that will give employees the opportunity to learn theoretical knowledge to underpin the practical skills developed whilst carrying out their daily roles.

Those on this programme include individuals from a variety of roles and locations across the business including senior managers and those up and coming within operational and commercial areas, the in-house training department and Harbour Police.

Experienced academics, with professional backgrounds, are delivering the programme with the support of PD Ports’ directors.

David Wilson, Group HR Manager for PD Ports, said: “We have worked in partnership with Teesside University’s business school for over 10 years. This strong link and a deep understanding of our business allows us to work together to provide programmes that will be suitable for our people and our business.

“The CMDA marks a significant and important step in developing our future leaders as we continue to grow and adapt in a fast-changing market.

“From a business perspective, this is about succession planning and investing in our people to help us remain at the forefront of the ports and logistics sector, as we look to not only enhance the abilities of employees to carry out their current roles but also give them the skills they will need in the future.

“Teesside University’s business school leads the field in terms of employer engagement and by developing this bespoke CMDA for us has proved once again that they can deliver an exceptional learning experience with the right blend of academic excellence, entrepreneurial thinking and real-life application that meet the requirements of the local business community.”

Dr Gill Owens, Teesside University’s programme leader for the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship, added: “The participants find the CMDA both a challenging and enjoyable experience. It enables them to apply their knowledge and learning in the workplace and make a positive impact there now and in the future.

“Each successful participant will end the three-year course with a management certificate from the Chartered Management Institute.”