A HAMPSHIRE woman who worked her way through the ranks has been recognized at a new apprentice awards.

Beth Evans, head of operations at the port of Southampton, was awarded the Best Business Contribution by an ex-ABP Graduate award at the firm’s inaugural Apprentice Awards.

She has worked at the port for 12 years, started as a management trainee in 2004 and worked her way up through the ranks to become sales and marketing manager and, more recently, the first female head of operations.

Beth said: “I am delighted to have won the award for the Best Business Contribution by an Ex-ABP Graduate.

“Working at the busy port of Southampton, which is the UK’s port of the year, is both interesting and dynamic. People make the port what it is today and over the last 12 years I have been fortunate enough to work alongside some great people.”

At the awards, held in Leeds, 32 apprentices were nominated across ten categories.

Other long-serving apprentices who have completed the ABP graduate scheme and were honoured on the night were:

• Best Business Contribution by an Ex-ABP Apprentice – Guy Sleeman (Port of Immingham)
• Longest Serving Ex-British Transport Docks Board (BTDB) / ABP Apprentice – Steve Archer (Port of Hull)
• Longest Serving Ex-ABP Graduate – Callum Couper (Port Manager for Port Talbot, Barry and Swansea)