Honoring the next wave: Maritime trainees celebrated at Apprenticeship Program closing ceremony

The closing ceremony honored three young apprentices, who completed six weeks of intensive training across shipping logistics and port operations. The program, launched earlier this year at the PMAC Conference in Curaçao, was designed to provide hands-on mentorship, classroom instruction, and exposure to diverse career paths within the shipping industry. 

Empowering the Next Generation

In her remarks, Tamara Lowe-James, Island Manager of Tropical Shipping (Antigua & Barbuda) and Head of the Maritime Apprenticeship Program Committee, emphasized the importance of investing in youth as the cornerstone of maritime prosperity: 

 “Our industry’s future depends on the skill, passion, and resilience of young professionals. This program is about opening doors, building confidence, and shaping leaders who will carry the maritime industry forward.”   

Jason Roberts, the Acting Port Manager is the Port Authority’s lead representative on the Maritime Apprenticeship Committee.

“Shipping and Port Operations has been one of the best kept secrets in the country. But guess what, no more! This initiative now exposes the upcoming generation to other professional opportunities. The industry is changing, technology is advancing, ports are becoming smarter and the demand for efficient, secure and well-managed logistics is growing.”

The program offered diverse experiences and education which includedpractical experience in cargo handling, vessel operations, and safety protocols, along with mentorship from seasoned professionals who provided invaluable insights into the realities of port and shipping operations. In addition there were networking opportunities with industry stakeholders and potential pathways to employment. 

At the closing, the apprentices were presented with Certificates of Completion, recognizing their dedication and commitment. The event also featured reflections from the apprentices themselves, who shared how the program strengthened their skills and inspired their career ambitions. 

Collaborators and partners – Go To Enterprises, Pastry’s Ltd, Koscab Distribution Antigua – were recognized for their contributions to make the initiative a success, while guests praised the initiative as a model for youth empowerment and sustainable maritime industry development. 

The Apprenticeship Program will continue annually, with three new candidates selected each year. Organizers reaffirmed their commitment to expanding opportunities for young men and women in maritime, ensuring that the Caribbean remains a hub of innovation and excellence in shipping and port operations.