A new group of young aspiring professionals from Antigua and Barbuda has embarked on immersive, on-the-job training as part of the region’s targeted Maritime Apprenticeship Programme, an initiative designed to build a skilled pipeline for the growing local and regional maritime sector.
The program is the result of a collaborative partnership between three key stakeholders: regional logistics leader Tropical Shipping, the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC), and the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority. It was created to bridge a long-standing gap between academic learning and real-world industry requirements, opening pathways to stable, high-demand careers for young people interested in maritime work.
First launched in 2025, the program saw strong success in its inaugural cycle, prompting organizers to expand the initiative with a second cohort in 2026. Unlike many classroom-only training programs, this apprenticeship places apprentices directly in active workplaces, giving them first-hand insight into core areas of the industry, from commercial shipping and port logistics to on-ground port operations.
After a rigorous competitive selection process that drew applications from across Antigua and Barbuda, three young trainees – Dezante Maile, Myah Ward, and Shekinah Hector – were chosen to join the 2026 cohort. Over the coming six weeks, the group will complete a structured training curriculum that blends hands-on daily work experience with one-on-one mentorship from seasoned industry veterans.
Trainees will rotate through multiple key departments at Tropical Shipping, gaining exposure to customer service, sales, corporate accounting, shipping documentation, vessel operations, and end-to-end logistics management. They will also complete on-site rotations at the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority and with other industry partners across the region, to gain a holistic understanding of how different parts of the maritime ecosystem work together.
Beyond individual skill-building for participants, the program has a broader regional goal: helping young people understand how the maritime supply chain acts as the backbone of regional trade and economic activity across the Caribbean. For small island developing states like Antigua and Barbuda, a strong domestic maritime sector is critical to sustaining economic growth, reducing reliance on foreign labor, and unlocking new trade opportunities.
The initiative also underscores Tropical Shipping’s long-term investment in regional development. For years, the company has prioritized workforce development across the Caribbean, recognizing that a skilled local workforce benefits both the industry and the communities it serves. It also aligns with the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority’s strategic goals to strengthen the country’s maritime sector by investing in the next generation of industry leaders.