ABP Engineering Apprentice Earns Top Recognition at Port of Immingham

ABP Engineering Apprentice Earns Top Recognition at Port of Immingham

(IN BRIEF) Associated British Ports apprentice Charlie Hickson has been named Mechanical Apprentice of the Year at the HETA Awards, becoming the latest ABP apprentice in the Humber region to receive recognition in 2026. The 17-year-old began his training with HETA in August 2025 and recently started full-time work at the Port of Immingham, where he is gaining hands-on experience in mechanical maintenance and engineering. His training has covered areas including bench fitting, fluid power, pneumatics and machining. The award follows recognition in May for electrical apprentice Ben Goodwin and supervisor James Daniels. ABP offers four-year apprenticeship programmes leading to Level 3 qualifications in engineering roles.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 3-Sep-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Associated British Ports (ABP) apprentice Charlie Hickson has been named Mechanical Apprentice of the Year at the Humberside Engineering Training Association (HETA) Awards, marking the third apprentice award win this year for ABP’s Humber operations.

Hickson, a Mechanical Engineer Apprentice, was selected from a strong group of apprentices after beginning his training with HETA in August 2025. He started working full time at the Port of Immingham in August 2026.

Brad Crumbleholme, Head of Engineering (Humber) at ABP, said the recognition reflects both the quality of the company’s apprentices and the commitment of its engineering teams to developing young talent.

He said investing in people is critical to maintaining safe, resilient and high-performing port operations now and in the future.

Apprenticeship builds practical engineering skills

Hickson first became interested in working at the port after attending a HETA open evening, where he met representatives from ABP.

He said ABP stood out among the employers exhibiting at the event and quickly became the company he wanted to join.

During the first year of his apprenticeship, Hickson has developed skills across a broad range of engineering disciplines, including safety, bench fitting, fluid power, pneumatics, compressed air systems and machining using lathes and mills.

He said the HETA programme provided him with the skills and confidence required to begin working in the demanding environment of the Port of Immingham.

Hands-on experience at the Port of Immingham

Hickson is now working in the In-Dock area at the Port of Immingham, which ABP describes as the UK’s largest port by tonnage volume.

His work has already included visual inspections and maintenance tasks on large port equipment, including accessing cranes to replace motors.

Hickson said starting work at such a large facility was initially daunting, but working alongside qualified fitters has enabled him to gain practical experience quickly.

After just two months on site, he has begun carrying out some tasks independently, including changing seals, while continuing to receive support from experienced colleagues when required.

Award adds to strong year for ABP apprentices

Hickson, who is 17, said winning Mechanical Apprentice of the Year came as a surprise because of the high standard of competition within his group.

His connection to the Port of Immingham also extends through his family, with his grandfather having worked at the port for 35 years before retiring.

Hickson said he sees engineering at the port as a long-term career and plans to gain as much training and as many qualifications as possible after completing his apprenticeship.

The award follows further recognition for ABP apprentices earlier this year.

In May, Ben Goodwin, a second-year electrical apprentice, was named a top apprentice at the HETA Awards after being nominated by his supervisor, James Daniels, who was also named Employer Mentor of the Year.

Four-year apprenticeship programme

ABP offers a four-year apprenticeship programme covering career paths including Electrical Engineer and Maintenance and Engineering Technician.

Participants work towards a Level 3 Apprenticeship while gaining practical experience and earning a salary.

ABP said the programme is designed to develop the technical and professional skills required to support the future workforce needs of its port operations.

Media Contacts:

Tim Morris
Head of Corporate Communications
tim.morris@abports.co.uk
Mob: +44 (0)7850 501 903

Hannah Kitcher
Group Corporate Communications Manager
hannah.kitcher@abports.co.uk
Mob: +44 (0)7969 209 652

SOURCE: Associated British Ports