Trainee IT Support Engineer
Job Title: Trainee IT Support Engineer
Location: Port of Tilbury
Hours: 35
Compensation: £28,000 + Call out allowance
About us: Forth Ports is one of the UK's largest and most dynamic port operator groups, playing a key role in connecting the UK with Europe and beyond. As a multimodal ports owner and operator, we are at the forefront of delivering innovative port-related services. With our recent pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero status by 2042, we are committed to sustainability and driving the expansion of the UK's renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind. Now is an exciting time to join our team as we embark on this transformative journey towards a greener future.
About the role
Reporting to the Group IT Help Desk & Tech Support Manager, the Trainee IT Support Engineer will provide technical support to end-users, maintain IT systems and ensure the smooth operation of hardware, software and network infrastructure services to the Tilbury Ports.
Key responsibilities
First-Line IT Support
Act as the first point of contact for IT-related queries via phone, email and ticketing system.
Diagnose and resolve common hardware, software and network issues.
Provide basic support for Active Directory, Microsoft 365 applications, Windows operating systems and company software.
Assist users with account setups, password resets, and access requests.
Log and track support tickets, ensuring timely resolution and escalation when necessary.
Maintain IT documentation, including knowledge based articles for frequently asked questions.
IT Projects
Assist in deploying new IT equipment, including laptops, desktops, and mobile devices.
Support network maintenance tasks, such as patching, connectivity troubleshooting, and Wi-Fi support.
Participate in cybersecurity initiatives, including system updates and vulnerability checks.
Gain exposure to cloud services, including Microsoft Azure, SharePoint and Teams administration.
Work alongside experienced IT professionals on infrastructure and security projects.
Extra
Once trained, provide 24-hour call out assistance as necessary by participating in the IT call-out rota.
Ensure compliance with IT policies, data protection and cybersecurity standards.
What we're looking for:
We are seeking a proactive Trainee IT Support Engineer with strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to IT support. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in helpdesk and system administration, with practical knowledge of Active Directory and Office 365. Excellent communication skills, the ability to prioritise tasks, and a collaborative mindset are essential to support both day-to-day IT needs. A flexible approach to work, willingness to join the call-out rota, and a full UK driving licence are also required.
Qualifications and Skills
Qualified to HND/Degree level in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related field.
Proven experience in IT support, helpdesk and system administration.
Hands-on experience with Active Directory and Office 365
Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
Excellent communication, collaboration and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage across all levels of the business.
Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.
What Forth Ports can offer you:
At Forth Ports, our people are our priority, and we are committed to creating a flexible, open, and supportive working culture. As part of our team, you will enjoy:
A competitive salary.
Generous annual leave entitlement.
A defined pension scheme and life assurance.
Health promotion events and employee wellbeing initiatives.
Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family.
Cycle to work scheme and on-site free parking.
Attractive Family Friendly Policies.
Employee discount platform offering discounts on UK-wide restaurants, car rentals, and holidays.
GymFlex health club memberships.
We value diversity and inclusivity, and we are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and will consider all applications for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.
How to Apply: If you are a motivated IT Support professional and looking to continue your career as part of a forward-thinking and supportive team, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter when submitting your application via the ‘Apply Now’ link.
What you will need
Required criteria
- Qualified to HND/Degree level in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related field.
- Proven experience in IT support, helpdesk and system administration.
- Hands-on experience with Active Directory and Office 365
Forth Ports Group

Over our 50 years of experience we have witnessed our ports grow to become important assets to support and deliver growth both for the UK and local economies. The growth impact has been achieved due to the continued investments in our infrastructure, making sure that our ports are able to continually develop their services and support the growth of many industries. Our people have played a significant role. They have delivered the highest quality of service through their expertise, loyalty and flexibility and, without them, we could not have built the strong reputation and the long term agreements with many customers that we have today.

Welcome to Forth Ports Careers. As a leading port operator, we employ over 1,100 people across our ports in Scotland and the Port of Tilbury in London. A career in a port business is very rewarding. There is real variety within each role and significant opportunities for promotion and career development. Don’t just take our word for it; view the “Some of our People” section and the video below to gain insight into the kinds of jobs our employees do, how they’ve grown with us, and what motivates them each day. The port business can be seen as a barometer for the economy and this drives us to be adaptable and fast paced as we identify new business opportunities.
Our benefits
We are committed to creating a positive working culture for all employees, as well as a good work-life balance. Here are just some of the benefits of working for Forth Ports.
Vacation, Paid time off
Paid sick days
Retirement plan and/or pension
Employee discounts
Gym membership or wellness programs
Cycle to work
Competitive salary
Employee Assistance Scheme

