Lewis Smith, a Commercial Graduate at ABP, began his journey on the ABP Graduate Training Scheme in October 2023. Based in South Wales, Lewis is currently on his out-of-region placement in the Humber. In this blog post, Lewis shares his experiences, motivations and insights into life on the ABP Graduate Training Scheme.
Exploring the Graduate Training Scheme
What do you do on the Graduate Training Scheme?
“The ABP Graduate Programme offers a unique opportunity to understand the entire business. So far, I’ve worked with the Engineering and Operations teams in Newport, the Marine Team in Barry, and spent time in Swansea. I’ve also had the chance to work with ABP’s central finance function (PBS), the Business Development Team and the Commercial Performance Specialist Team.
“Currently, I’m on my out-of-region placement with the Commercial Team in the Humber. The most valuable part of this scheme is learning the entire business inside-out. As a future customer-facing representative of the business, having firsthand experience means I can confidently explain issues and provide solutions based on my own knowledge, rather than just relying on second-hand information.”
How are you finding your out-of-region placement in the Humber?
“Adapting to a new region isn’t always easy. The sheer volume and scale of operations in the Humber are significantly larger than South Wales. However, once you settle in, it’s an exciting challenge. The best part about working across regions is that it allows you to identify best practices and implement them in the way you operate.”
Why ABP?
What made you sign up for the Graduate Training Scheme?
“As someone from Neath, a small village in South Wales, I was drawn to ABP by the Future Port Talbot programme. Seeing a business investing heavily in the local area, especially amid challenges like those at Tata Steel is inspiring.
“I’ve entered the working world with the mindset that if I’m going to spend 45 years in a career, I want it to be meaningful. My ultimate goal is to deliver projects, like the Future Port Talbot programme, that make a real difference. That motivates me every single day.”
Memorable moments
What have been the highlights so far of your journey?
“One standout moment was when I was working with the Marine Team and I was allowed to do a pilot onboarding for a vessel going into Port Talbot. We were bringing iron pellets for Tata Steel, which is a unique experience, and something that nobody else will get the chance to do now that Tata has closed its blast furnaces.
“On the commercial side, I’m proud of my involvement in the launch of the Barry Clean Growth Hub. This is a partnership with px Group, which is aimed at transforming a large area of land at the Port of Barry into an area of low-carbon, high-growth infrastructure investment. Projects like these really align with my passion for driving positive change in Wales and beyond.”
The application process
What is the process for getting onto the scheme?
“I saw the role advertised on Indeed. When I started to look into ABP I was impressed by the investment they’re putting into Wales, which made me interested to apply.
“The application process included an aptitude test, a pre-assessment day interview and an assessment day. During the assessment day, we presented on ABP’s Sustainability Strategy – Ready for Tomorrow – had a 1-2-1 interview and took part in a group assessment task, which is a real test of your skills.”
Looking ahead
What happens towards the end of the Training Scheme?
“With three months left in the scheme, you start discussing your future with your business sponsor and with the HR Business Partner for the region. The different placements you have throughout the scheme often open doors to different roles across the business.
“Personally, I hope to join either our Business Development Team or one of our commercial teams, focusing on long-term projects that support ABP’s twin missions of Keeping Britain Trading and Enabling the Energy Transition.”
Advice for future applicants
What would you say to people considering the Graduate Training Scheme?
“Go for it – but just don’t be a tourist. Approach each placement with curiosity and a willingness to learn. The cross-region experience is eye-opening, offering opportunities to see parts of the UK you might never visit otherwise.”
“The scale of the port industry is something you have to witness to truly appreciate. Since joining ABP, I’ve found myself in awe of the massive operations that keep the country running. It’s something to behold.”
Would you like to develop a career in maritime and logistics? ABP is looking for talented graduates wanting to become future leaders in the port industry and help shape the future of green energy.
Applications are currently open for the ABP Graduate Training Scheme, which will start in October 2025. Closing date for applications: 6th January 2025. To apply, visit: careers.abports.co.uk/content/graduate.
