YOUNGSTERS from a variety of schools learnt about the port of Poole during two days of tours and talks.

For the second year, Poole Har-bour Commissioners joined with national education charity Young Enterprise, to help children from schools across Dorset learn the importance of employment.

PHC welcomed more than 135 youngsters from years 9 and 12 attending schools including The Grange, Lytchett Minster, Corfe Hills, Poole High and Blandford School.

Students had the chance to see the trust port in action and to find out more about the comm-issioners role as an organisation and as guardians of the huge harbour, which is used for a variety of leisure and commercial activities.

Safety and security manager Dave Laut talked to the students about transferable skills and provided top tips on what employers are looking for.

He said: “We are delighted we can help support students involved with the Young Enterprise. It’s a fantastic charity that nurtures and inspires young people to be successful in their future careers.

“It was great to share my experience with the students and see their enthusiasm in the port and the harbour.

“These schemes are vital in helping build young people’s confidence and help promote further education,” he added.

Now in its seventh year in Dorset, the Employability, Empowerment and Enterprise programme mentors and inspires young people and aims to encourage them to develop employability and life skills to help reach their full potential.

The programme runs with support provided by BNY Mellon Poole, Aspire BU and the councils of Bournemouth, Poole, Dorset, Christchurch and East Dorset.