By Chester Robards Senior Business Reporter
Copyright thenassauguardian
As the Grand Bahama Shipyard prepares for its $600 million expansion, the company is projecting its investment in training Bahamians to work its facilities by 2028 will double to $3 million, and hopes to have some 80 Bahamian apprentices enrolled at any one time, the company said in a statement.
Currently, Bahamian apprentices spend 18 weeks training at The Engineering College in Liverpool, England, the statement explained.
It added that sixty-three of its current 200 Bahamian employees graduated from a predecessor apprenticeship program, with 1/3 of them advancing from tradesmen roles to higher-earning specialist, supervisor or manager positions.
“Including other training initiatives, the company is committed to continue investing heavily in developing the skills of its workforce over the next few years,” the statement said.
Marvin Basden, who began at the shipyard as a young electrician, is now vice president of environment, quality, facility maintenance, and infrastructure development, the statement said.
Basden said the shipyard has always believed in opening doors for Bahamians through its apprenticeship program and on-the-job training with international experts.
“Employees are constantly encouraged to stretch themselves, learn new skills and advance,” said Basden.
“I am living proof of that commitment, starting as an electrician and now being part of the executive team preparing for the arrival of two of the most advanced floating docks in the world.”
He added: “There’s no tuition you can pay at a university for this kind of experience. I worked alongside engineers in France, helped design new power systems to accommodate a top-class European dock. It was a huge opportunity to be exposed to different technologies and collaborate with international industry experts. The shipyard creates these unique opportunities right here in The Bahamas, and that’s something many Bahamians, and particularly Grand Bahamians can benefit from.”
The shipyard said its increase in activity, as the facility’s new docks arrive from China to be installed, will stimulate the Grand Bahama economy and the country as a whole.
“These new docks provide Grand Bahama Shipyard some of the world’s largest vessel lifting capacity, and gives the shipyard an opportunity to re-assert itself as a world leader in commercial and cruise ship repair,” the statement said.
Basden said of the impending change: “When the shipyard was at its peak, you could feel it across Freeport. The airport was constantly busy and business was good for stores and restaurants, as well as there being high demand for rental properties.
“With the addition of the new docks, this will boost economic activity and provide job and growth opportunities for Bahamians at every level.”
According to the statement, about 60 percent of the shipyard’s workforce are Bahamian.