We launch foundation degree with PD Ports

PD Ports has joined forces with us to deliver a foundation degree specifically for those working within the Ports Industry.

The qualification has now been approved by the University and this week saw the official signing ceremony take place at PD Ports’ headquarters in Middlesbrough.

Starting in late October, the foundation degree in Leadership and Management (Ports) is offered over two years on a part-time basis.

The degree is delivered using a masterclass approach which we have developed on similar very successful programmes. The masterclass is delivered here at the University by a University lecturer with a senior PD Ports employee offering practical examples of how this can be applied in practice at the Port. This method ensures the practical application of theory and delivers added value to the delegates and their workplace through improved performance.

The vital importance of learning During the signing ceremony Professor Graham Henderson, Vice-Chancellor of Teesside University and David Robinson, PD Ports’ Group Chief Executive Officer, both talked about the vital importance of learning, skills and people development for growing successful businesses.

Senior management from both PD Ports and Teesside University joined Mr Robinson and Professor Henderson as they signed the official documentation, cementing the authenticity of the foundation degree.

David Robinson, PD Ports’ Group Chief Executive Officer, said: 'The programme is open to employees throughout PD Ports who have responsibility for or aspirations to manage people, irrespective of the department in which they work. The introduction of this foundation degree is a unique personal development opportunity to develop and enhance our employees’ current skills, allowing them to more effectively lead and manage people within the organisation.'

Professor Graham Henderson, Vice-Chancellor of Teesside University, said: 'We are acknowledged as one of the country’s leading universities for employer engagement and PD Ports is widely recognised as providing one of the main gateways to and from the UK’s economy. Together, I am confident we can deliver a first-class qualification and build on our innovative leadership and management programme which we have designed to meet the needs of the region’s businesses and industries.'

PD Ports has had significant input into the content of the programme ensuring its relevance to the ports industry. Ports Skills Safety, the port sector training organisation, is viewing this as a pilot and will then look to offer this programme to other ports within the United Kingdom.

As a University, we have gained high profile recognition for the success and credibility of our foundation degree in leadership and management and have recently been nominated for two Times Higher Education awards in the category of Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative and University of the Year.

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