Grand Bahama Shipyard Strengthens Bahamian Workforce Development Through the Expanding Apprenticeship Programme

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – Grand Bahama Shipyard continues to invest in the future of Bahamian talent through its growing Apprenticeship Programme, a key pillar in the company’s long-term workforce development strategy.

“The Apprenticeship programme is the starting point in the company’s manpower strategy for developing Bahamian talent,” said Gary Bentinck, Vice President of Human Resources at Grand Bahama Shipyard.

“This is a structured four-year programme which will qualify our apprentices with internationally recognised trade certifications,” Bentinck explained. “These certifications are essential in our industry, enabling individuals to progress from trade positions into supervisory, managerial, and leadership roles.”

The latest cohort of apprentices has successfully completed an initial four-month training programme at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), where they were introduced to the fundamentals of shipyard repair operations.

The group will now travel to the United Kingdom to continue their training at the Engineering College in Liverpool, where they will spend the next four months advancing their technical knowledge and skills in their chosen trades.

Upon completion of their overseas training, the apprentices will return to Grand Bahama Shipyard, where they will spend the next three years gaining hands-on experience to become fully qualified tradespeople.

With continued development, it is expected to take an additional five to six years for participants to achieve the level of expertise required for senior roles such as Chargehand and Foreman.

The programme continues to expand, with 46 apprentices currently enrolled across four trades. The company’s goal is to grow this number to approximately 80 apprentices at any given time in the coming years.

In a significant milestone for the programme, this cohort also includes women participating in the internationally certified training component for the first time.

“By having women join the programme, it widens the talent pool, which makes sense in an industry facing global shortages of skilled tradespeople,” Bentinck noted. “A more diverse workforce strengthens companies and has a positive impact locally, including higher household incomes and a broader workforce capability for Grand Bahama.”

For families, the programme represents more than technical training—it is a source of pride and opportunity. Chaniece Pinder, whose grandson Dunrell Pinder is among the apprentices, shared her perspective:

“At this time, just being here to see my grandson—I feel like I’m part of this programme too. I’m so proud of him for being given this opportunity to excel, grow, and mature. To travel such a long distance without his siblings makes me even prouder. I must commend the Shipyard for giving him this chance. Thank you, Shipyard, thank you.”

The expansion of the Apprenticeship Programme comes at a pivotal time for Grand Bahama Shipyard. “2026 is a transitional year for the Shipyard as we return to a three-dock operation,” explained Chris Earl, CEO at Grand Bahama Shipyard.

“With the imminent arrival of the new Lucayan Dock and its expected commissioning in the third quarter, we will have the largest vessel lifting capacity in the world. This $650 million investment, alongside initiatives like our Apprenticeship Programme, reflects our confidence in The Bahamas and its people as long-term partners in building a truly world-class operation.”