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One of the Humber’s biggest employers is challenging outdated perceptions to ensure women are at the heart of its ongoing recruitment.

Associated British Ports chose International Women’s Day, held during National Careers Week, to launch its latest drive, with a continual need for apprentices and other positions highlighted.

Taking place at Port of Immingham, with a featuring women from varied roles across the economy-empowering business - it is seeking to address the current 93 per cent male figure within its ranks.

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Simon Bird, regional director at the Humber ports, said: “We strive to inspire women to take on roles which they may have never considered. Ports and logistics have traditionally been male orientated and at ABP we are challenging that old-fashioned perception as we increasingly recruit more women to our crucial industry.

“In the Humber ports we have many females working across a range of roles, some front line, some office based, all bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and not all with a maritime background. We hope this campaign inspires people to think of a career with ABP which will be truly rewarding as we help boost growth around Britain’s coast.”

And the featured ambassadors were out in force to underline the rewarding career option, with efforts praised by those helping to open the eyes of the next generation to what is on their doorstep. Schoolgirls from the town’s Coomb Briggs Primary Academy were welcomed to take in the docks and explore the equipment used by some of the emerging role models.

Helen Redmond, headteacher at the Immingham school, said: “This is absolutely key for the children, they do so much classroom learning so to get out in the community and see the jobs and opportunity is really good for them. This is on the doorstep, but they may not know much about it.”