Load cargo on and off ships safely
“In the last seven months I have conducted port operations in South Africa, Tristan De Cunha, Morocco and Norway.”
In the Army, ships need to be unloaded quickly and expertly. Join us as a Port Operator and we’ll teach you how. You’ll learn how to use specialist machinery like cranes, and how to drive different kinds of vehicles. Plus, you can take qualifications including an apprenticeship, advanced driving licences and recognised trade qualifications – great for your career. You will travel the world in support of operations and disaster relief tasks and you will serve alongside the Royal Marines and Airborne Forces too. On top of that, you’ll make lifelong friends, play sports and try Adventurous Training.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work out of the military port in Marchwood (Southampton).
- Learn how to load and unload vessels to meet port deadlines and operational commitments.
- Travel worldwide, wherever military vessels go, loading and unloading as part of a Port Task Group.
- Work in support of Royal Marines, Airborne Forces and multinational organisations.
- Gain multiple vehicle licences and a vast array of civilian qualifications.
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Step 1
You'll start with your initial military training which will teach you how to be a soldier - this will cover everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle. If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years 5 months), you’ll do a 23-week basic military training course at Harrogate. If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years 1 month), you’ll do the regular 14-week adult basic training.
Step 2
You then get a range of driving licences, up to LGV level C+E. After this, it’s off to Southampton for an 8 week Port Operators course. You’ll learn to transfer cargo between military and civilian transport using cranes and other equipment. We’ll also teach you how to secure different kinds of cargo, how set up a logistic beach unit and how to transfer cargo from sea to land when you’re not in a port.:
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 16 years 6 months - 35 years 6 months
QUALIFICATIONS: No formal qualifications required
FITNESS: Lift 20kg, Carry 60m, 1.5 mile run in 14 min (14 min 30 sec for junior entry)
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
- Level 2 Certificate Logistics & Transport
- Affiliate Membership of CILT
- Level 2 Apprenticeship Port Operations
- Get higher level qualifications as you progress
RANK PROGRESSION
Learn about rank progression here.
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Earn £15,230 during training. When your Initial training is finished, and you join your unit as a Private your pay will rise to £18,859.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 per day once you’re a Private. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you’re entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty. More about Reserve benefits
FROM THE FIELD
“As a Port Operator soldier, my career in the Army is challenging and varied. In my 10 years of service I have been deployed across the world on operations and exercises supporting both UK and NATO forces. In the last seven months I have conducted port operations in South Africa, Tristan De Cunha, Morocco and Norway. As the famous Port Op phrase goes – 'Another paid holiday for a few hours graft!' As well as gaining great experience, I have won silverware for representing the Regiment at football, kayaking and boxing.”
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Step 1
You start by learning to be a soldier with your Reserve unit. Training lasts at least 23 days and teaches you how to handle weapons and survive outside.
Step 2
Then it’s onto a 2 week course where you’re trained to be a Port Operator. Later, you can get your Cat C driving licence. We’ll do our best to make sure training fits around your day job.:
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 17 years 9 months - 49 years 11 months
QUALIFICATIONS: No formal qualifications needed
FITNESS: Lift 20kg, Carry 60m, 1.5 mile run in 14 min
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
- Car Licence (Cat B)
- HGV licence (Cat C+E)
RANK PROGRESSION
Learn about rank progression here.
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Earn £15,230 during training. When your Initial training is finished, and you join your unit as a Private your pay will rise to £18,859.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 per day once you’re a Private. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you’re entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty. More about Reserve benefits
FROM THE FIELD
"I have been in the Army Reserve for a while now and every time I train it’s a challenge, you are always trying to better yourself and as a Port Operator there is always something different to think about whilst operating the different machinery. Also there is always the opportunity to deploy on Port Task Groups to further your trade knowledge. It’s not all work though as the opportunities to travel and experience different activities does come into the equation. I recently travelled to Italy as part of a team to compete in a military skills competition." - Corporal Gulliver
HOW TO APPLY?
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre,you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.