Gravesend pupils’ Thames careers day

Pierview Academy in Gravesend welcomed staff from the Port of London Authority (PLA) for three interactive workshops, exploring careers on the tidal Thames.

Thanakorn Nopphawing and Rachel De Bont, from the PLA’s HR team, explained some of the skills required to work in the river, and harbour master Tim MacQuillin gave a demonstration of navigational chart reading skills.

Pierview Academy is an alternative learning provider, for 11 to 25-year olds, who have struggled in other education settings.

Kelly Butler, the academy’s operations manager, said: “Often employers do not understand the skills and abilities of our young people and see only disability. The PLA team saw diversity."

Nicky Sutherland, careers leader, added: “Students and staff enjoyed the sessions. Feedback received from parents and carers was positive too.”

Rachel De Bont said: “It was good to see the pupils and teachers alike taking such a close interest in the tidal Thames and how they can help shape its future.”