A six-week journey through Antigua and Barbuda’s shipping and logistics industry has ended for three young apprentices, who were given an inside look at how goods move from shipping lines and ports to businesses and customers.
Dezante Maile, Myah Ward and Shekinah Hector took part in the 2026 Maritime Apprenticeship Programme, rotating through several workplaces to gain practical experience in an industry that plays a major role in the country’s economy.
Their participation concluded with a certificate presentation Sept. 11 at the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority.
Rather than remaining with one organisation for the entire programme, the apprentices moved through three different areas of the supply chain.
They began at Tropical Shipping, spending two weeks learning how a shipping company operates. The next stage took them to the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority for an introduction to port operations and other aspects of the maritime sector.
Their final placements shifted the focus to the private sector and the relationship between shipping, commerce and customers.
A.S. Bryden & Sons (Antigua) Ltd., Automotive Art and Chase Distributors Ltd. each hosted one of the apprentices for that portion of the programme.
The initiative is a partnership involving Tropical Shipping, the Port Management Association of the Caribbean and the Port Authority and is intended to expose young people to potential careers in shipping, logistics and related fields.
Tropical Shipping Island Manager Tamara Lowe-James, who leads the programme, said organisers saw noticeable development among the participants during their six weeks.
“It was rewarding to see the growth, confidence and enthusiasm of the apprentices throughout the six weeks, and we are extremely grateful to all of our partners who helped make the programme possible,” she said.
Attention at the closing ceremony also turned to what happens after young people receive their first exposure to the industry.
Port Authority Chief Executive Officer and PMAC Chairman Darwin Telemaque urged established maritime professionals to take an active role in mentoring younger people interested in entering the field.
His message centred on the need for experienced workers to transfer their knowledge to the next generation, helping newcomers develop the skills and confidence needed to build careers in the sector.
The 2026 programme follows a similar initiative held in 2025. Organisers say they intend to continue the apprenticeship in 2027, providing another group of young people with an opportunity to experience the maritime and logistics industries firsthand.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Three Apprentices Complete Maritime Training Programme.