The future of Antigua and Barbuda’s maritime sector was in the spotlight this week as three young Apprentices were celebrated for completing the Maritime Apprenticeship Program in Shipping and Port Operations. The ceremony, held on Tuesday, November 18, brought together key stakeholders from across the maritime community to applaud the program’s first cohort.

The six-week apprenticeship was launched earlier this year at the PMAC Conference in Curaçao and is the result of a partnership between Tropical Shipping, the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC), and the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority. Designed to develop skilled young professionals, the program blends practical training, classroom teaching, and mentorship across multiple areas of port and shipping operations.

Tamara Lowe-James, Island Manager of Tropical Shipping (Antigua & Barbuda) and Chair of the Apprenticeship Program Committee, said the initiative is part of a wider effort to ensure the long-term strength of the maritime industry. “Our industry’s future depends on the skill, passion, and resilience of young professionals,” she said. “This program is about opening doors, building confidence, and shaping leaders who will carry the maritime industry forward.”

Acting Port Manager Jason Roberts, the Port Authority’s lead representative on the committee, noted that the initiative is also helping to introduce young people to career paths that have often gone unnoticed. “Shipping and Port Operations has been one of the best kept secrets in the country,” he said. “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.”

Throughout the program, Apprentices gained first-hand experience in cargo handling, vessel operations, safety procedures, and the day-to-day demands of port logistics. They also had opportunities to interact with senior industry personnel, strengthening their professional networks and increasing their understanding of potential career routes.

At Tuesday’s ceremony, the Apprentices were presented with Certificates of Completion, acknowledging their dedication and growth. They also shared reflections on how the program sharpened their skills and inspired them to pursue long-term roles in the maritime field.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks to program partners, Go To Enterprises, Pastry’s Ltd, and Koscab Distribution Antigua, followed by a networking reception. Attendees praised the apprenticeship as an impactful initiative that supports youth empowerment and the development of a more resilient maritime workforce.

Organizers confirmed that the Maritime Apprenticeship Program will continue annually, with three new participants selected each year. The partners reaffirmed their commitment to expanding opportunities for young men and women and strengthening the region’s leadership in shipping and port operations.