A YOUNGSTER who has taken on an "usual career" has urged more women to consider working in the nautical industry. 

Apprentice Hollie McGarry has joined Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) along with three other trainees taking on jobs in marine operations and IT. 

The authority, which currently employs 128 people, has jurisdiction over the 150 square nautical miles of the Haven, making it one of the UK’s largest independent, or trust, ports.

In total the organisation now has ten trainees. 

Hollie joins Eve Painter who is completing an apprenticeship in IT and Leane DuToit who joins as a Graduate Surveyor in Hydrography.

Grant - A £177,000 grant was given to the Harwich Haven Authority and PurpleSector this month from the Department for Transport’s Smart Shipping Acceleration FundGrant - A £177,000 grant was given to the Harwich Haven Authority and PurpleSector this month from the Department for Transport’s Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund (Image: HHA) Hollie said: "I was so happy to get the news that I'd been accepted on the training programme.

"The content of the apprenticeship, which includes block release learning with training provider SeaRegs, really suits me because I like being hands on."

She added: "Everyone, including my manager, has been extremely friendly and I quickly felt like part of the team.

“It's not the usual choice of career for many young women, but my friends and family are very proud of my achievement.

"If I was to give advice to other young women considering a career in the industry, I'd say if you are looking for a job that gives you lots of variety and you enjoy being hands on, I'd say 'go for it'."

Helen Rudd, strategy and partnerships director at HHA, said: “We have been astounded by both the number of applications we received and the quality of the applicants. 

“They are a talented group of men and women whose ages range from 20 years old to 40 years old. Some of our trainees have also joined us from established careers in other sectors."

Ms Rudd also said the HHA’s “comprehensive training” will help the trainees develop fulfilling carers in the “economy-critical sector”.

The HHA’s ‘earn and learn’ trainee programme has also been recognised by the nationwide initiative the 5% Club which recognises employers who achieve a 5 per cent rate of employed positions which include apprentices.