GRAND BAHAMA - After participating in the Shipyard Apprenticeship Program - a four-year academic and on-the-job training course designed to prepare apprentices for a career in ship repair, Theo Pelecanos will be heading to Florida International University (FIU) to study mechanical engineering courtesy of the Grand Bahama Shipyard (GBS).
Pelecanos joined the shipyard in 2010 as an apprentice; he has progressed well during his four years and will be graduating from the Apprenticeship Program in September, but not before heading to college for the fall semester. Pelecanos received a full four-year scholarship valued at well over $100,000 and will also receive a portion of his salary while attending FIU.
"The GB Shipyard has been here for 15 years," said Carl Rotkirch, CEO of GBS. "We are in our infancy here but as we grow we take seriously our responsibility to training Bahamians to work and run this business. Theo is an exceptional young trainee who my staff has recognized as a leader and an exceptional potential engineer for the yard."
Speaking at a press conference to announce this exciting news, Don Forbes, GBS training manager, noted "Theo joined us after graduation from Sunland Baptist Academy. He excelled from day one and has met and exceeded the checks and balances we have in place here. It's very exciting to see this young man going off to study abroad and knowing he will come back and be a great resource for our team."
Pelecanos will leave this week to start his studies. He has lots of support, including former recipient of a GBS scholarship Miles Wilkinson, who Theo noted was a great mentor for him during his time at the shipyard. "I am so grateful for the possibilities the yard is giving me today," said the youngster. "I am honored to be chosen from my apprentices to receive additional study grants and because of people like Miles, I know I can come home and show the stakeholders what I am capable of, there are huge possibilities here for Bahamians."
As The Bahamas is beginning to play a greater role in ship repair, it is thanks to the opportunities being afforded to young Bahamians like Pelecanos and others that the industry in The Bahamas will continue to grow in a positive direction. "The talent of Grand Bahama is truly impressive," concluded Rotkirch. "I have every reason to see it continue and thrive."

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian