A Bermudian whose father was a member of a group of talented young men who travelled to Britain to complete their apprenticeships when the Royal Naval Dockyard ceased operations has paid tribute to the men’s contributions to the island.

Guilden Gilbert Sr was one of the 49 Dockyard Apprentices who boarded the MV Georgic, which sailed to the Royal Naval Dockyard in Portsmouth, England, for the young men to complete their apprenticeships after the naval base in Bermuda closed in 1950.

Tuesday marked the 75th anniversary of the young Dockyard Apprentices’ departure for Britain.

Guilden Gilbert Jr recalled hearing many stories about the Dockyard Apprentices in his childhood, and while he was fortunate to have known a number of the stalwarts, it was his father’s legacy that he kept close to his heart.

The Dockyard Apprentices were recognised for being “extremely talented”, and Mr Gilbert said while all the young men did not return to Bermuda, those who did contributed to the island in myriad ways.

Some went on to establish businesses, some became master tradesmen in plumbing and carpentry while others excelled in different fields.

He said some filled leadership roles in private and public sectors, thereby building the island's skilled workforce and infrastructure long after their training.

The businessman told The Royal Gazette: “What my dad's experience taught me is independence. He and the other apprentices had to become independent at a very young age.

“He said what others say about you does not determine who you can become.

“At the time, I did not appreciate it — but as I grew older, I fully understood what he was trying to teach me.

“My father always wanted better for me than it was for him. While he wanted me to focus on academics and get a university degree so I didn't have to work in ‘the shop’, he made sure I could do things for myself.”

Mr Gilbert said once he became a homeowner, the skills his father taught him gave him the ability “to have no fear in trying things”.

He said: “Around my home I do many things myself, whether it be electrical, plumbing, masonry, you name it, I can do it to a certain degree.”

“His teaching me those lessons has allowed me to own and operate a successful Bermuda roof company in the Bahamas.

“To do that I had to teach the guys who handle my labour how to install the roofs.”

Mr Gilbert said his father was a shipwright by trade who contributed to the commercial air-conditioning industry in Bermuda.

He said he fabricated the sheet metal air-conditioning ducts in most of the commercial buildings in Hamilton and many of the island’s hotels.

He also made metal coffins for sailors who died in Bermuda and whose remains were being sent home to their loved ones overseas.

He said his grandmother, Hattie Elizabeth Gilbert had been instrumental in raising funds for the apprentices to be able to travel to Britain.

She was also on hand to greet the men on their return to Bermuda.

This May, the Naval Dockyards Society held its 30th annual conference under the theme “The 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the Closure of the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda”, which brought together speakers from Britain, the United States and Canada.

The event provided an opportunity to delve into Bermuda’s maritime history while gaining insights into the strategic importance of Dockyard throughout history.

The former base stood as a symbol of British naval strength for more than 150 years and remains one of Bermuda’s most visited landmarks.

Today, Dockyard features the island’s largest cruise ship pier as well as restaurants, shops and attractions.