Grand Bahama is known as the industrial capital of The Bahamas. The work force is a combination of Bahamian and foreign workers. From all indications the sector will continue to grow hence the ongoing need for additional skilled and un-skilled labor. The leadership at the Freeport Container Port (FCP) is committed to increasing the number of Bahamian workers who are properly trained to take advantage of existing and emerging employment in this sector.
Toward this end, FCP and several industrial companies are partnering with one of the two most significant trade schools in Grand Bahama - Total Education Center (TEC). It is envisaged that TEC will take technical education to another level through its 'Second Chances' Program - a quarterly course that allows remedial high-school students a chance at becoming certified in various trades.
In order to draw greater attention to the importance of and opportunities through technical education a two-day career fair was held early June. The program director of the annual Career Fair and Technical Education Workshop explained the importance of the partnership, deeming the Container Port's impact on the program 'important' and acknowledging the positive outcome it yields. Shani Hann, principal of TEC is especially committed to the Career Fair due to the fact that it creates an opportunity for the students to meet industry professionals so that students would not only learn the various trades but build lasting relationships.
TEC's primary goal is facilitating technical learning. Now it's growing connection with the Freeport Container Port and other industrial companies enables it to open up a world of career opportunities for its students. Leaders in the industrial sector note that this synergy is good for the sector and TEC. According to Fred Delancy, founder and director of Total Education Centre, the partnership TEC enjoys with the industrial sector gives his students a decided advantage when pursuing employment in the sector. It is important to note that although the Freeport Container Port is showcased as a premiere corporate company involved, other companies such as BORCO/Vopak, Bahama Rock, G.B Shipyard and Freeport Gases Ltd. have joined in the program to strengthen technical awareness.
Jointly and independent of each other TEC and FCP are producing a new generation of technicians. TEC offers three programs for technical certification. The Freeport Container Port has implemented its own curriculum that entails assessments, berth operating, crane checking and straddle driving. The two-month long training exercise is concluded with an issuance of a certificate upon successful completion of each discipline. The FCP training began on June 18, 2012.
Preparing the next generation of technicians in conjunction with TEC is a continuation of a long tradition in the Hutchison group of companies. One example is the fact that FCP has, for several years, trained in-house outstanding young Grand Bahamians in technical fields. The goal was to attract the brightest high school graduates and provide them with first class training and in turn job opportunities upon completion. Some of the company's rising stars are graduates of this technical cadet core program.
Policy makers, veteran educators and industry leaders all share the view that an investment in technical education will pay substantial dividends for the sector and ultimately the country. The strategic view is that to the extent that the country has a large pool of skilled workers ready for emerging opportunities The Bahamas would be in a far better position to promote itself as a prime destination for investors looking for ideal geographical location, advantageous concessions and a strong diverse cadre of technical professionals.

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