Sam’s story

I went to St Bernadette’s Catholic School in south Bristol and now work at Bristol Port in my second year of a Level 2 Stevedores Apprenticeship. Bristol Port is an amazing career.

I would not have known about this opportunity if I hadn’t taken part in the SBY Insight into Apprenticeships programme in 2018/19, during which I visited the Bristol Port and learnt about all the jobs that were available there. Following this visit I completed a work experience placement at the Port, which further developed my understanding of the opportunities available there.

I initially applied to Bristol Port when I left school but was too young at that point; however, I persevered, applied again in 2021, and was accepted.

Taking part in Insight into Apprenticeships was very important to me. In particular the public speaking training that was part of the programme really helped me and as a result I was able to do a speech at the programme celebration event in front of my teachers and parents; I was well chuffed when I did that and received a special award from Nick Venn, the Bristol Port Training Manager! If I hadn’t done the speech training I would not be as confident as I am now, able to speak out in front of crowds.

Working at Bristol Port is hard work but it’s very well paid and the team around me is excellent; they always have my back and many are like second dads.

I would love to come and talk at future SBY events and share my experience with other young people.