My job takes me further

I was first an intern at HPA, before starting my apprenticeship as port skipper. Now I’m one of three women on the job and even work to train today’s apprentices. I am either on ships for patrolling the port or on tugboats – sometimes also on night shifts. We tug barges or other floating vessels, help to load and unload ships and perform maintenance work.

I like that I can work independently and take responsibility. A highlight was when I got to operate a cable dredger for the first time – helping to move people safely from point A to point B. It cost me a lot of nerves, but it worked out. At HPA, we all respect one another. This is really great, because it makes sure the work is fun. My development at HPA it not over yet: I would soon like to train to be a ship’s master.