PD Ports has been recognised for its tireless work bringing together industry and education to raise the aspirations of young people on Teesside by winning the Corporate Social Responsibility trophy at the SHD Logistics Awards.
The High Tide Foundation, co-founded by PD Ports in 2012, has worked with more than 4,000 young people across 35 local schools, supported by 80 private sector businesses.
PD Ports’ CEO, and chairman of the High Tide Foundation, David Robinson, said: "We are delighted to see the hard work of our staff who continue to support the work of the High Tide Foundation recognised by the industry. It is incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact the Foundation is having on the young people we work with and their families.
"With more young people and businesses signed up than ever before, we are confident that we are giving young people the valuable skills and experience they need to succeed in the industry."
The High Tide Foundation offers unique work experience and industry-led skills programmes including a six-week after school Cadetship for 12 to 14-year-olds which follows the journey of a mobile phone from Taiwan to Teesport to help explain the global supply chain.
The popular Summer Scheme offers teenagers aged 16 and 17 two-week work placements with diverse industries in and around Teesport as well as providing a limited number of places to sail on a working container ship to a European port.
There was a 200 per cent increase in students taking part in the Summer Scheme in 2015 compared with the year before.
Nearly 600 guests attended the SHD Logistics Awards event at Resorts World Birmingham which saw 13 trophies presented to leaders in the UK logistics sector.
The panel of judges said: "Of all the entries for the Corporate Social Responsibility award, PD Ports’ stood head and shoulders above the rest. The High Tide programme is a comprehensive solution to address a known, and in this case well-evidenced, problem. Not only did PD Ports exhibit substantial engagement of their company and staff, but they have also worked to mobilise local businesses to contribute funds and time to the initiative. Even better, the High Tide programme has delivered impact at scale reaching more than 4,000 young people and 80 teachers since its launch in 2012. Overall this is a sincere and well executed CSR programme."
PD Ports has also made the shortlist for its work with the Logistics Academy and the High Tide Foundation at the IBJ (International Bulk Journal magazine) Awards in the People Development category which will be announced on November 21.