Government launches Gibraltar's first STCW-based Maritime Apprenticeship
The Ministry of Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, in partnership with the University of Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Port Authority and Gibraltar Maritime Services (GMS), has launched Gibraltar's first Maritime Apprenticeship, creating a new pathway for local people to begin careers within one of Gibraltar's most important industries.
Developed in collaboration with the maritime sector, the Apprenticeship has been designed to equip local people with the skills, qualifications and practical experience needed to build successful careers while helping to meet the future workforce needs of Gibraltar's maritime industry.
The six-month Apprenticeship combines paid employment, structured workplace experience and internationally recognised Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Basic Safety Training delivered by the University of Gibraltar. Successful participants will receive internationally recognised certification, preparing them for careers within Gibraltar's maritime industry and the wider global maritime sector.
The programme is delivered through a partnership between the Ministry of Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, the University of Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Port Authority, Gibraltar Maritime Services and participating maritime employers, ensuring apprentices receive coordinated support throughout their training and into employment.
The Minister with responsibility for Maritime Services, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez MP, said:
"Gibraltar's maritime sector is one of the pillars of our economy and it needs a steady supply of skilled local talent to continue to grow. This Apprenticeship provides a practical, structured route into that sector, combining paid employment with internationally recognised training delivered here in Gibraltar. I am pleased that the Gibraltar Port Authority, Gibraltar Maritime Services and the University of Gibraltar have worked together to make this opportunity available to local people."
The Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP, said:
"This Apprenticeship is an investment in Gibraltar's future workforce. It creates new opportunities for local people to gain internationally recognised qualifications, practical experience and a clear route into long-term employment, while helping to ensure our maritime industry continues to benefit from a skilled local workforce."
The Maritime Apprenticeship will be open to applicants aged 16 and over who meet the eligibility requirements of the applicable Government employment scheme. Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment and enhanced vetting, with participating maritime employers also involved in the selection process.
To complete the online application form, applicants can use the QR Code attached to this press release.
Alternatively, applicants can access the online application form directly:
Additionally, an updated copy of your CV must be emailed to meect@gibraltar.gov.gi.
The deadline for the online application form and receipt of updated CV, is 12 noon on Monday 19th October 2026.