Jobs and skills

We want to keep contributing in this way across the country - but especially for those living and working in and around the New Forest and Southampton.

Solent Gateway 2 would also further strengthen the already world-leading Solent maritime cluster and new job opportunities would be created at all levels, including entry, professional and technical roles. We expect that Solent Gateway 2 would create substantial employment both in the construction and operational phases of its development. When Solent Gateway 2 is fully operational we would anticipate a requirement for several hundred new jobs on an ongoing basis, subject to the eventual configuration of the site.

We're committed to Solent Gateway 2 having a jobs and skills plan that boosts opportunities for local employment. We are also keen to offer opportunities for upskilling in the local area, both through engagement with local schools, colleges and universities and through schemes such as apprenticeships.

ABP Southampton already engages with local schools and is launching a new Educational Outreach Programme designed to connect local schools, colleges, and universities with the dynamic world of the port sector. We are also proud to be a partner of the Maritime and Transport Careers Programme, an initiative that helps young people explore pathways into the maritime and transport sectors across the Solent region. Additionally, the work we do in jobs and skills as part of our emerging proposals would be aligned as far as practicable with the newly launched New Forest Skills Action Plan 2025-2030.