PortPlus offers a unique opportunity for motivated individuals looking to build a career in Rotterdam's port and industrial sector. Our program is specifically designed to help candidates without relevant work experience or education find a position in this dynamic industry.

PortPlus focuses on motivated candidates who want to start a career in the port and industrial sector, regardless of their background. We welcome newcomers, individuals connected to the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency in the Netherlands), and career changers looking to retrain. Our goal is to train these candidates to become well-rounded employees capable of thriving in Rotterdam's port.

Depending on the program you choose, the PortPlus's tracks lasts either eight or thirteen weeks. During this time, you will attend theory classes one day a week. On the remaining days, you will work at leading logistics companies in the Port of Rotterdam, gaining practical experience. Occasionally, classes may be rescheduled due to holidays or organizational reasons. These changes are always communicated in advance to keep you well informed of any adjustments.

The sessions take place on Fridays at the event venue Maindeck (Stationsstraat 2, Spijkenisse). There is parking available at the location. If you’re traveling by public transport, you can get off at Spijkenisse Centrum metro station. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to the venue.

We currently offer two programs: the General Logistics program and the Customs Declarant program.

We offer two training programs: the General Logistics Program and the Customs Declarant Program.

In the General Logistics Program, you'll complete an eight-week course that covers a variety of subjects designed to prepare you for a successful career in the Rotterdam port and industrial sector. During the course days, you'll receive lessons from Ferdi Bakker in one of the following areas:

1. Customs
2. Transport
3. Freight Forwarding
4. Shipping Agent

After eight weeks, you will receive a participation certificate from STC Next and will have gained both practical work experience and theoretical knowledge. The goal is for you to be offered a work contract with the company where you gain your work experience. These companies are carefully selected and are eager to give talented candidates like you a chance.

The Customs Declarant Program lasts thirteen weeks. Throughout this program, you’ll take lessons from Ferdi Bakker during the course days. You will acquire foundational knowledge of customs procedures and learn how to process customs declarations. In the logistics sector, (assistant) declarants play a vital role. Completing customs declarations is a precise and detail-oriented task, where a small error—such as a misplaced comma—can significantly impact the process. An incorrect declaration can delay the flow of goods and hinder terminal pickups.

After completing the program, you will receive a participation certificate from STC Next and will have gained both work experience and theoretical knowledge. The goal is for you to be offered a work contract with the company where you gain your work experience. These companies are carefully selected and are eager to provide talented candidates like you with an opportunity.

After the PortPlus program, several opportunities will be available for you. With the recognized STC Next participation certificate, you’ll have a strong foundation in the logistics and port sector. Many candidates are offered full-time positions by the companies where they gained work experience during the program. This provides them with a direct path to growth within the industry. Additionally, depending on your interests and ambitions, you can further specialize or explore additional roles within logistics and the port industry.

During the PortPlus program, there are a few key expectations. First, you need to have a strong understanding of the Dutch and/or English language. You are expected to actively participate in the lessons and fully engage in the practical experience you’ll gain at the partner companies. It’s essential that you take both the theory and hands-on work seriously, committing to acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge. Moreover, it’s important to be motivated and proactive in your communication with the companies you’ll be working with, and to adhere to agreed work hours and commitments. Flexibility and dedication are crucial to getting the most out of the program and maximizing your chances of a successful career in the port and logistics sector.

The upcoming programs will begin at the end of November 2024. Depending on the program, the duration will be either eight or thirteen weeks.