Dockers, Slingers and Stevedores
Dockers, slingers and stevedores are the backbone of the UK's shipping industry, ensuring that goods are loaded and unloaded efficiently at ports. With the rise of global trade, this career offers exciting opportunities for those who thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy physical work.
Dockers, Slingers and Stevedores
12AI EXPOSURE TODAY12
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST57%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£20,000 - £25,000
PHYSICAL MOATThe work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is low on our index (12), and the work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior StevedoreAs a Junior Stevedore, you will assist in the loading and unloading of cargo, learning the ropes of the industry while working under the supervision of experienced dockers.£20,000 - £25,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level DockerIn this role, you will take on more responsibility, operating heavy machinery and ensuring that safety protocols are followed while managing a team of junior dockers.£26,000 - £30,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior StevedoreAs a Senior Stevedore, you will oversee operations at the dock, coordinating with various stakeholders and ensuring that all cargo is handled efficiently and safely.£35,000+
There is more than one way inYou do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely. Some employers will take you on here with no formal qualifications at all, if you can show you can do the work.