COULD YOU LOAD VITAL CARGO ON AND OFF MILITARY VESSELS AND OTHER SHIPS?
AS PORT OPERATORS, IT'S OUR JOB TO LOAD AND UNLOAD ESSENTIAL SUPPLIERS FROM OUR SHIPS, SAFELY, QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY.
We use specialist machinery, such as cranes and drive different types of vehicles in order to carry out our operations. Working alongside the Royal Marines and Airborne Forces means that we get plenty of opportunities to travel, working in ports worldwide and helping to support operations and disaster relief tasks. We also have opportunities to complete an apprenticeship and gain widely-recognised trade qualifications.
We also have a Regimental Dive Team and have a proud history competing in Army Sports.
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 handling 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
Next, you will undertake your 15-week Combat Logistician course at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield. During this, you will earn your Category C+E Driving Licence and study general service driver modules. This training also gives you the opportunity to gain a broader knowledge on the Royal Logistic Corps functions and roles.
Step 3
Then you’ll complete the Port Operator Class 3 course where you will learn the safety aspects of working in a hazardous port environment and gain your MHE Licences. You’ll also learn how to transfer cargo between military and civilian transport using cranes and other equipment.
On promotion, and after earning two further MHE Specialist Qualifications, you will begin the Port Operator Class 2 course. Later on, you will complete the Port Operator Class 1 course which includes learning how to be a Crane Supervisor.
Entry Requirements
Age:
16 years 6 months - 35 years 6 months
Qualifications:
No formal qualifications needed
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
- 2km run 11m 30s
- MSFT (beep test) level 6.6
- Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
- 2km run 11m
- MSFT (beep test) level 7.5
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
- Level 2 Port Operative Apprenticeship
- MHE Qualifications
- Functional skills
- CMI Diploma
- ILM award in Leadership and management
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 - 42 years 6 months
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
- 2km run 11m 30s
- MSFT (beep test) level 6.6
- Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
- 2km run 11m
- MSFT (beep test) level 7.5
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 £40.13 in training and rising to £51.22 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.
