Apprentice Communications and Engagement Assistant

PD Ports; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics and port management company is seeking an Apprentice Communications and Engagement Assistant based in Middlesbrough. The successful candidate will create content for various audiences and support public relations activities. Applicants should have excellent communication skills, a grade 5 GCSE in English, and familiarity with design tools like Canva or Adobe. This opportunity comes with 25 days holiday and various employee benefits.

Benefits

25 days holiday

Paid maternity leave

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Holds at least a grade 5 (grade B-C) GCSE in English.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Creative skills for designing social media posts and videos.

Responsibilities

• Develop engaging social media posts and videos.
• Write and publish content for audiences.
• Assist with event planning and logistics.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Creative flair

Strong organizational skills

Interest in media

Education

Grade 5 (B-C) GCSE in English

Tools

Canva

Adobe

Figma

Job description

Apprentice Communications and Engagement Assistant

Location: Queens Square, Middlesbrough, TS2 1AH

Closing Date: 30th January 2026

Are you eager to learn, enjoy connecting with people and sharing stories? We’re looking for a Level 3 Apprentice Communications and Engagement Assistant to help us tell PD Ports’ story to a variety of audiences while developing your skills and gaining valuable experience.

You will support our external public relations activity and internal communications content, reporting to the Communications and Engagement Manager.

At PD Ports, we always have a story to tell. We play a critical role in the delivery of national priorities – creating high quality jobs, supporting our local communities and playing our part in the UK’s journey to energy security and net zero. And we’re committed to investing in the places we work and in the people that make it all happen.

Employing 1,400 people nationwide, we own and operate 11 locations, stretching from Teesport and Hartlepool in the North to the Thames and the Isle of Wight in the South. As the Statutory Harbour Authority for Teesport and the Port of Hartlepool, we are responsible for a 12-mile stretch of the River Tees, ensuring thousands of ships can navigate its waters safely each year and providing security for the river community through our Harbour Police Force.

Location: Primarily based at PD Ports’ head office, Queens Square, Middlesbrough, with some travel required to sites around Teesside/ wider UK occasionally

Working Arrangements: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week. Office-based with time for study. Salary £23,000 per year.

Apprenticeship: The successful applicant will be enrolled on a level 3 Content Creator Apprenticeship with Middlesbrough College. This is an online course, lasting 18 months.

The five main things our Apprentice Communications and Engagement Assistant will be working on are:

• Find, develop and create eye-catching social media posts and short videos that grab attention and tell our story.
• Plan, write and publish content for internal and external audiences to inspire and inform.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the business and our external stakeholders to bring fresh ideas to campaigns and projects, ensuring content is engaging, on‑brand and tailored for different audiences.
• Support the Communications and Engagement team with event planning and delivery, including handling guest lists, sponsorship requirements, arranging logistics with venues and suppliers and booking marketing materials, plus support during site visits/events.
• Provide administrative support to the Communications and Engagement team across internal and external activities, including, but not limited to, monitoring the communications inbox, resolving queries from internal and external partners and diary management.

We are seeking someone who:

• Holds at least a grade 5 (grade B-C) GCSE in English.
• Has excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and an eye for a good story.
• Has creative flair with solid design skills to create social media posts, graphics, reels and shortform videos using Canva, Adobe or Figma that stick to our brand guidelines and deliver a clear outcome.
• Strong organisational skills – we need someone who can juggle several on-going tasks at once.
• Demonstrates an interest in media.
• Is adaptable, resourceful and aligned to our company values – Safety First, Teamwork, Respect, Excellence, Trust, Commitment and Honesty.

We offer 25 days holiday, paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave, life insurance and a cycle to work scheme.

If you are interested in this opportunity please apply in writing, sending your CV plus examples of how you fit the requirements of the role and meet our company values to [e-mail] and use job reference CANW1861. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an assessment day on Wednesday 11 th February 2026 in Middlesbrough.