Apprentice Commercial Assistant - Cruise
Portland Port Limited · Portland · posted 28 October 2026
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No two days will be exactly the same. The apprentice will work alongside the cruise team and wider Commercial team, gaining hands-on experience across cruise operations, marketing, tourism, customer service and commercial administration. They will gradually take on greater responsibility as their knowledge, skills and confidence develop.
An average day or week could include:
- Supporting cruise ship calls, helping with the preparation and coordination of cruise visits, operational information, visitor information and other arrangements to help ensure calls run smoothly.
- Working with customers and stakeholders, communicating with cruise lines, ship agents, tour operators, local attractions, transport providers, local authorities and other partners, as well as colleagues across Portland Port.
- Supporting marketing and communications, including helping to create promotional materials, stakeholder communications, updating website content and assisting with social media planning, drafting, scheduling and monitoring.
- Carrying out research and market analysis to support cruise development, visitor information, marketing campaigns and wider commercial business development.
- Helping with commercial administration, including preparing cruise documentation, correspondence, itineraries, marketing materials and operational notes, while maintaining accurate records and information.
- Attending meetings and industry activities, with opportunities to support customer and stakeholder meetings, familiarisation visits, exhibitions, conferences and industry events in the UK.
- Developing practical cruise operations experience, undertaking relevant training and on-the-job learning with the aim of becoming competent to act as a Duty Cruise Coordinator as part of the cruise rota.
- Taking ownership of projects and areas of responsibility as experience and confidence develop, giving the apprentice the opportunity to build their skills and make a meaningful contribution to the team.
Your training
Bi-weekly attendance required at Coastland College (Weymouth Campus) during term time only.
Where it leads
Following completion of the apprenticeship the right candidate may be offered a position as a permanent member of staff.
About Portland Port Limited
Portland Port is a busy commercial port situated on the Isle of Portland in Dorset. It is home to a diverse range of maritime and commercial activity and has also developed into an established destination for visiting cruise ships.
Cruise operations bring together many different organisations and people, from cruise lines, ship agents and tour operators to transport providers, local attractions, businesses and tourism partners. The Port coordinates services to support visiting cruise passengers, including transport from the quayside to Portland and Weymouth, creating a varied working environment with strong links to the wider local tourism industry.
An apprenticeship at Portland Port provides the opportunity to gain experience within a real operational and commercial environment, working alongside experienced colleagues and interacting with a wide variety of customers and stakeholders. For someone at the beginning of their career, it offers exposure to cruise and port operations alongside marketing, tourism, customer service, administration and commercial activity.
The role combines structured learning with hands-on experience in a busy and varied working environment. We are looking for someone who is flexible, proactive and keen to learn, with a positive attitude and a willingness to get involved in the wide range of activities and tasks required to support the team. As knowledge, experience and confidence develop, the apprentice will have the opportunity to take ownership of tasks and projects, build an understanding of cruise and port operations, and undertake training to become competent to act as a Duty Cruise Coordinator. The role also offers exposure to marketing, social media, website content, tourism, events and wider business development, providing an excellent foundation for someone looking to develop a career within the cruise, tourism, marketing or commercial sectors.
Skills they're looking for
Entry requirements
- GCSE English (grade 4) — desired
- GCSE Maths (grade 4) — desired
- Drivers Licence Pass (grade Pass) — desired
Where you'll work
- Portland Port Business Centre, Castletown, Portland, DT5 1PP
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