We recently caught up with Will Dixon, who joined the Port Operations Graduate Scheme in 2021, to hear about his journey from a university graduate to his current role as Cruise Operations Manager in Southampton.
What is it like on the scheme?
“It's cliche but true - every day was different and exciting in its own way. One day, I could be out on the ground in the hold of a ship in Garston, Liverpool; the next, I might be in London at The Gherkin for an ABP Sustainability Strategy Launch Event. It is a varied experience with the opportunity to meet an array of people, from the front-line workers to the CEO . It is a unique perspective, as in no other role do you get the exposure to the business like you do as a Graduate. You are constantly learning, taking on responsibilities, and observing to be a future leader in the port industry. Be ready for a lot of travelling, too - ABP is present across Great Britain, so there is often the opportunity to have a placement at other ports and learn about their operations.”
What did you learn?
“A lot. Before the graduate scheme, I had never stepped foot in a port, and now I am part of a team that runs the day-to-day operations within one. Throughout the 2-year scheme, I worked hard to pursue every opportunity and learn as much as possible. There is so much experience that surrounds you; it is hard not to be a sponge and absorb all the information you can.”
Why ABP?
“I feel fortunate to have come across ABP. Before applying for the graduate scheme, I had not heard of the company, but the sound of the graduate placement hooked me. After my first interview, I knew it was a company I wanted to work for. Besides the brilliant employee benefits, for me, the people make ABP. Unlike other companies where the interviews felt a bit robotic, ABP had personality and was extremely welcoming. The port industry is one where people are ingrained and part of every element (the planning, the operations, the customer engagement, etc.), so when the interviewees made a strong impression before I even joined, I knew it would be a great place to work. After 3 years at ABP, this still rings true – it is the people that make ABP for me. But also, as an MSC Risk, Crisis and Resilience Management Graduate, I care greatly about safety. ABP is at the forefront of trying to ensure that each operation is as safe as possible, giving every member of the port the power to stop an operation if they do not feel it is safe. Along with the positive safety culture, ABP is investing in safety and takes it seriously.”
What is your advice for future grads?
“Ask questions, don't be shy, and most importantly, get stuck in! This unique career path allows you to explore and understand the business, seeing first-hand how it works. Make sure you take every opportunity available and be enthusiastic about it. Be a self-starter; whilst on the scheme, create as many opportunities as possible. The port industry is exciting, with plenty to do and see.”
Where do you work now?
“After I finished the Graduate scheme, I was honoured to have the opportunity to join the Cruise Team in Southampton as an Assistant Cruise Manager. After a few months in this position, I applied for a cruise manager position. I was successful in my application, and for just over a year, I have been managing Mayflower Cruise Terminal and overseeing one of the Cruise Line accounts. I help plan and run the operation alongside many port stakeholders for the day-to-day cruise operations, tailoring each cruise call to the Cruise Line's requirements. I am lucky to enjoy my job and feel very strongly that it was the Graduate scheme that gave me the standing that allowed me to progress within the company and provide me with the means to fulfil my role.”
Ready to start your journey? ABP is looking for talented graduates wanting to become future leaders in the port industry and help shape the future of green energy.
Applications are currently open for the ABP Graduate Training Scheme, which will start in October 2025. Closing date for applications: 6th January 2025. To apply, visit: careers.abports.co.uk/content/graduate.
