ABP invests in cutting edge simulator training for employees on the Humber
ABP announces investments in cutting edge simulator training for employees on the Humber.
It’s the busiest trading gateway in the UK, so learning to be a marine pilot on the Humber can be a daunting proposition.
Thanks to an innovative partnership between Humber ports operator ABP and training provider Modal, marine apprentices are now practicing on state of the art simulators before they get their hands on the real thing.
And it’s not just marine apprentices, the local logistics training facility, which opened earlier this year, provides training for all sectors of the logistics chain through the use of cutting edge technology meaning that a range of ABP employees are honing their skills digitally.
Modal’s marine, crane and HGV simulators enable them to train individuals, develop teams and test processes quickly and cost effectively. The simulated training environments are realistic and can be adapted to suit the learner.
This safe and effective training method enable trainees to develop skills and acquire experience that would otherwise take a lifetime to achieve. In addition, Modal are able to conduct training in traditional logistics and operational sectors such as driver CPC, forklift driving and stevedoring. The centre offers a wide scoping range of practical and classroom based packages.
Simon Bird said: “This arrangement perfectly captures our relentless focus on innovation and on safety. Our people are getting the very highest standard of training which in turn means our customers are getting the highest levels of service and the Humber is an even safer and more efficient environment for everyone.”
Having liaised closely with ABP on this project, Ella Brown Business Development Manager for Modal Training said: “ABP have been instrumental in helping us shape what we can offer here at Modal. Having the input from ABP’s various teams about their own training needs has enabled us to put our simulators to the test and stretch the boundaries of the training and skills opportunities we could offer. The current training packages provided for their employees have a great synergy with our own company ethos and will no doubt provide many local people with fantastic career prospects. We are thrilled to being working with everyone at ABP.”
Most recently, ABP conducted a team building day at Modal’s site in Immingham in conjunction with the port’s award-winning apprentice programme.
Amanda Viljoen, Marine and Pilot Apprentice Training Manager, who attended on the day said: “The team building challenges were introduced as a way of creating and strengthening internal relationships between our apprentices. It helps to break down communication barriers between teams and builds up a bond. Modal’s facilities are ideal for our organisation to utilise as our employees can learn through a hands-on experience, without being able to do anything wrong.”
Apprentices from across the ABP group, currently training in sectors such as marine and engineering spent the morning at the facility competing with one other through various challenges. The first four teams were tasked with getting their own vessel to an end destination. Whilst the teams, or crew, were in charge of operating the vessel, the ships were ultimately controlled by Amanda who was able to put obstacles in the way of the teams, should operations be running too smoothly.