A painter and decorator by trade, Louise Knowles now operates the impressive container spreaders and reach stackers. Before starting work at ABP, Louise had previous port experience of driving tugs as well as lashing and trimming on vessels however sought a better work-life balance and decided to attend an ABP Careers Day event held on the Humber. 

“I started working at the Hull Container Terminal at the end of November 2016 and haven’t looked back. It was genuinely the best thing I’ve ever done. I can now drive five different specialist vehicles, I have a pension, I’m part of a health scheme and I receive help with childcare vouchers. ABP have continued to support me in my desire to continue learning and over the next few months, I'll even be learning how to drive a gantry crane.”

Having predominantly worked in male environments, Louise explains that at ABP she feels like an equal: “I have a great working relationship with all of my colleagues, we have a laugh with each other but we also help each other and I feel respected. Even though I’m the only female working the machines, it doesn’t make a difference to anyone and I can honestly say that I love my job at ABP”.