More women step into frontline operational careers at APM Terminals Poti

A new women’s apprenticeship programme at APM Terminals Poti is helping expand access to frontline operational careers at the heart of port life.

The six‑month programme introduces women to hands‑on roles across terminal operations, with a strong emphasis on practical skills, safety and clear pathways into permanent frontline positions. Fourteen participants from diverse professional and educational backgrounds have joined the programme with a shared ambition: to build careers within the operational workforce of the Port of Poti.

The initiative also reflects a broader shift across the logistics and maritime sector, as more women are encouraged to consider operational roles traditionally under‑represented by women.

From the outset, participants gain direct exposure to port operations. Training combines classroom learning with on‑site experience, helping apprentices understand how every activity contributes to the safe and efficient movement of cargo.

For some participants, the scale and importance of the port were key motivations to apply.

“The Port of Poti is interesting to me because of its scale, significance and development potential,” says Maka, one of the programme participants. “Working in such an environment is both a valuable experience and a great responsibility. It is important for me to be in a place where I can deepen my knowledge, gain experience and grow professionally.”

The programme also highlights changing perceptions of port careers, as terminal operations and logistics are increasingly seen as long‑term career opportunities for women.

Nino Sherozia points to the value of international standards and teamwork:

“Gaining practical experience in an environment where professionalism matters is very important to me. The first days were dynamic and insightful. Visiting different departments showed how crucial teamwork and accuracy are in the shipping industry. Seeing the port in operation made the scale of responsibility very clear.”

A strong safety culture is embedded throughout the apprenticeship, alongside exposure to different operational areas. This approach helps participants build confidence and understand the expectations and responsibilities of frontline roles in a live port environment.

For Makrine Lomaia, the programme represents an entry point into global logistics:

“As a young professional, starting a career in a company with international standards is essential. Safety and development are clearly prioritised here. Working at the port means being part of a global logistics chain that connects countries, with continuous learning and international experience on site.”

By creating structured access to operational roles, the apprenticeship programme supports workforce development while opening up long‑term career perspectives for more women in terminal operations. As the programme progresses, participants will continue building practical skills and operational experience, supporting the long‑term capability and diversity of the Port of Poti’s frontline teams.

“Opening access to frontline terminal roles for women strengthens the future of the port industry,” says Christian Roeder, Managing Director at APM Terminals Poti.

“A broader range of skills and perspectives supports safer and more resilient operations and reflects how ports are evolving. For the local community, this programme helps create clearer career pathways in an international working environment. For the industry, it demonstrates that terminal operations offer long‑term development opportunities for anyone with the ambition and capability to be part of it.”