PD Ports delegates start foundation degree at Teesside University.

PD Ports and Teesside University have welcomed the first 15 delegates for the new foundation degree created for those working in the ports industry.

Launched in September, the degree in leadership and management is offered over two years on a part-time basis. The course recognises that some of its students may not have studied for the past 30 years and is designed to rejuvenate their learning skills.

PD Ports Group CEO David Robinson says response from employees to join the program "far outweighed" expectations. "This is a true reflection of the dedication of our employees to further develop their leadership and management skills in the organisation, as well as fulfilling personal aspirations to more effectively develop their career potential," he says.

The delegates from PD Ports Group include employees from dock and port operations, engineering backgrounds, IT and sales and marketing.

The degree is delivered using a "master class" approach, where a university lecturer and a senior PD Ports employee will offer practical examples of how the lessons can be applied in practice at the port.

Teesside University has won two Times Higher Education awards in the Outstanding Employer Engagement initiative and overall University of the Year categories.

PD Ports Ltd is a specialist ports business offering supply chain services. It was formed following the takeover of PD Ports plc by Babcock and Brown Infrastructure in February 2006. There are currently 1,140 people working for PD Ports in bases in UK ports and logistics centres. The company generates an annual turnover of over GBP120 million (USD196.5 million).