A group of business learners from Suffolk New College had a unique opportunity to explore the operations of the Port of Ipswich.
The occasion – hosted by Associated British Ports (ABP) – an industry partner of the college, offered learners a chance to connect their academic studies with the ‘real world’.
They got an understanding of various sectors and career opportunities including logistics, supply chain management and port operations.
It was also a chance to find out about the positive impact the port has on the local community of Ipswich.
Simon Brown is a Business Lecturer at Suffolk New College. He said: “The learners are currently studying a module on supply chain operations and will later explore international business. Seeing the port in action helped them connect their theoretical knowledge to real-life operations. It was amazing to see their engagement, especially as they witnessed the movement of cargo, warehousing and logistics first-hand. These experiences are crucial in building the skills needed in the workplace. For our students, this is fundamental in making the connection between what they’re learning and how it’s applied in the world of work.”
Andy Constable, Head of Operations at ABP’s Port of Ipswich reflected on the visit. He said: “The students were particularly engaged, asking insightful questions and expressing curiosity about how technology and logistics work together to keep the port running smoothly. By partnering with the College, we not only help students learn about our sector but also introducing them to potential career paths.”
Stefan Bodocan is a first-year business learner at Suffolk New College. He said: “I didn’t realise how big the Port of Ipswich is. I learned a lot about how they’re making things more environmentally friendly and how logistics on the sea works. It was fascinating to see the network behind it all.”
Faith Simmonds and Mia Ravenhill-Brown, appreciated the hands-on learning opportunity, especially when it came to logistics.
Faith said: “It was helpful because we cover logistics in class. Now I can see how these concepts come to life in the real world, and it opened my eyes to job opportunities I didn’t know existed.”
For Mia, the visit offered a clearer picture of potential career pathways. She said: “It’s motivating to see how people can start at the bottom, like driving, and work their way up to management. It shows that there are opportunities for progression.” Eniola
Odelabu, another business learner, echoed similar sentiments. She said: “It was really interesting to learn about the cranes and the safety measures at the port. Experiencing it first-hand gives me more confidence about what to expect in future jobs and shows me how important industry experience is while studying.”