LOAD CARGO ON AND OFF SHIPS SAFELY
“IN THE LAST SEVEN MONTHS I HAVE CONDUCTED PORT OPERATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA, TRISTAN DA CUNHA, MOROCCO AND NORWAY.”
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 needed
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 46kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- 2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s 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 and Benefits
“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.”
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.
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 6 months
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 46kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- 2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
Qualifications:
No formal qualifications needed
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
- Car Licence (Cat B)
- HGV licence (Cat C+E)
Pay and Benefits
You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £39.34 in training and rising to £50.21 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.
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.
