An unforgettable experience that left many students inspired and amazed — offering them the opportunity to discover life beneath the ocean’s surface while exploring the diverse career opportunities available within Grenada’s growing blue economy.
Students from primary and secondary schools joined students from the T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) and representatives from marine-sector businesses at the Explore the Blue – Marine Pathways Event, held at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina on 29 May 2026. The collaborative initiative was organised by Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, the Grenada Tourism Authority and the Grenada Yacht
Club, with support from the Green & Blue Skills project, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development in cooperation with Caricom.
A key highlight of the day was the glass-bottom boat experience, which allowed students to see firsthand the underwater environment that supports many marine industries. The activity was designed not only to educate students about marine ecosystems but also to spark curiosity about future learning pathways and careers within the blue economy.
Zara Tremlett, General Manager of Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, was pleased with the enthusiastic participation and positive reactions from the students. “We had 2 sets of glass-bottom boats providing tours, supported through GIZ’s Green & Blue Skills. The students were taken to Pandy Beach, accompanied by a marine biologist, where they learned about seagrass beds, coral reefs and the importance of marine conservation. They then visited the Yacht Club to further explore the many opportunities within the marine sector.”
The Green & Blue Skills Project aims to strengthen national and regional Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems to better prepare youth, particularly women and vulnerable groups, for employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in green and blue economy sectors, across four Caribbean islands.
In Grenada, particular attention is being given to the maritime sector, including yachting, marine tourism, traditional and modern boat building, repair and maintenance, ferry transport, fisheries and maritime services.
Head of the Green & Blue Skills Project Sabine Klaus highlighted the importance of creating stronger connections between education providers and industry partners to address current and future workforce needs. “Grenada’s blue economy offers tremendous opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development. However, there are still limited TVET training programs and career pathways available for young people interested in marine occupations. As a result, businesses often need to fly in experts from overseas to repair equipment, support operations and strengthen critical value chains,” she said.
According to Klaus, the project will continue collaborating with TAMCC and industry stakeholders like the marina to strengthen marine and maritime training opportunities, enhance curricula qualifications, and support the development of apprenticeship and employment pathways aligned with the needs of Grenada’s growing blue economy.
Akimo Murray, TAMCC’s Acting Corporate Communications Officer, welcomed the event as an important opportunity for students to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. He said, “Having the opportunity to hear and see firsthand what their lecturers are speaking about as it relates to the marine sector is a wonderful opportunity for students, TAMCC and Grenada as a whole.”
The Grenada National Training Agency (GNTA) was also pleased to partner with GIZ in the recent Open House and Exhibition hosted by Port Louis Marina. Marketing and Communications Officer at the GNTA Kay Julien-Gutu said the event was a resounding success, offering a vital platform for educational engagement and career exploration. Throughout the exhibition, the GNTA team had an invaluable opportunity to interact directly with students from varying levels across the education system, spanning from primary school to university. By engaging with these future professionals, Julien-Gutu said the GNTA successfully showcased TVET, with a special focus on career opportunities in marine and yachting, sharing targeted career guidance information. Through initiatives like these, GNTA continues its commitment to creating linkages between education and industry, ensuring Grenada’s youth are well positioned to explore sustainable and rewarding career paths.
Based on the positive feedback from students, educators and participating businesses, the event was widely welcomed, with many stakeholders expressing interest in making it an annual or biannual initiative.
About the Project
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a German service provider that supports sustainable development and international cooperation worldwide for over 50 years. Working with partners in around 120 countries, GIZ develops practical solutions that improve living conditions, strengthen economic opportunities and support environmental sustainability.
The Green & Blue Skills Project looks at strengthening national and regional TVET training and qualification systems to better prepare youth, particularly women and vulnerable groups, to access employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the Green and Blue Economy sectors, including renewable energy, sustainable tourism, marine conservation, and climate-resilient agriculture. The project is implemented across 4 small island states, including Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada.
In Grenada, a key focus of the project lies on the maritime sector. Grenada possesses a growing blue economy driven by yachting, marine tourism, traditional and modern boat building, repair and maintenance, ferry transport, fisheries, and maritime services. Nevertheless, employers report shortages of qualified marine technicians, marina operations staff, marine hospitality personnel, and qualified seafarers.
GIZ
