Peel Ports joins Skelmersdale Science Summer School event for a second year running

28 July 2022

Peel Ports recently lent its support to West Lancashire College’s Summer Science Festival, to encourage more young people into science-based careers.

The event aims to inspire local young people who have an interest in making a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM).

On the day, twelve schools from across West Lancashire were transported into a world of science. They attended inspirational talks and took part in a range of activities, all aimed at exciting their interest in the huge range of STEAM careers available.

To support the event and bring its industry to life, Peel Ports led an interactive buoyancy workshop where pupils learnt how vessels sailing through its waters stayed afloat and were given a chance to build their own unique boat out of a variety of materials, whilst testing how much cargo it could hold. 

During the workshop, students learnt about the varied and exciting career opportunities available within the Ports industry from Automation Technicians, Operational Managers, Marine and Bio-Diversity specialists to IT Analysts, Accountancy, HR and Graphic Designers.

Peel Ports supported the event back in 2021, where they transported its state-of-the-art crane simulator to the event, giving pupils the chance to experience what its actually like to operate a ship to shore crane.

Mark Whitworth, Chairman at Peel Ports said: “Our people sit at the very heart of our organisation and we understand how important it is to meet future generations at events like this, encouraging them to consider careers in STEAM-related subjects by sharing our own experiences”

“We aim to continually develop new talent into the maritime sector and through these types of events, we hope to inspire future industry leaders and open young people’s eyes to the exciting opportunities that can be found working in one of the most varied and vital industries in the world.”

Peel Ports currently directly employs a workforce of approximately 2000 highly-skilled employees and indirectly influences many thousands of others across local regions. It also has successful apprenticeship, mentoring and coaching programmes for all ages and backgrounds, working with many different colleges, universities and employment schemes across the UK.