First LeaderSHIP Pilot Courses Now Available Online
Earlier this year, Natalia Reen, Senior Researcher at Åbo Akademi University (Finland), spent three months as a visiting researcher at the La Spezia Campus of the University of Genoa (UniGe). Her research focuses on sustainability and digitalisation, and during her stay, she was actively involved in the activities of the LeaderSHIP4Skills project.
Reen contributed to the development of several curricula and delivered two courses:
- An in-person course for PhD students at the Centro del Mare, titled “Methodology for Green Transition in the Maritime Industry”, which explored strategies and methodologies for advancing sustainability in maritime contexts.
- An online course on IoT Applications in Shipyards, highlighting the role of digital technologies in modernising shipbuilding processes.
In addition, she offered two pilot courses:
- A half-day seminar on the green transition in the maritime industry.
- A comprehensive eight-hour course on the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in maritime settings.
Recordings of both pilot courses are now available on UniGe’s YouTube channel:
LeaderSHIP4Skills pilot courses offered by Dr. Natalia Reen, visiting researcher at UniGe
Workplace Instructor Training Day Strengthened Guidance Skills and Future Cooperation
As a result of the LeaderSHIP project, the number of apprenticeship students at Meyer Turku shipyard is increasing significantly, which creates a growing need for new workplace instructors and assessors.
As part of the project, Mika Haapalainen from Turku Vocational Institute / Meyer Turku Shipbuilding School organized workplace instructor training on August 29, 2025, and trained Meyer Turku employees as workplace instructors using tailored training materials.
The training focused on the content of qualification units, legislation related to students, and the importance of giving feedback. Each instructor was assigned the qualification units that their students will complete. The aim was to strengthen the instructors’ competence and make it easier to guide students. The training also clarified the role of supervisors in assessment and helped instructors better recognize their responsibilities.
Content of the Training Day
- workplace learning, guidance, and assessment
- qualification unit content, structure of the qualification, and changes in qualification requirements
- legislation and responsibilities related to students
- notifications to the Regional State Administrative Agency
- notifications required at the shipyard
- giving proper feedback to students
- importance of feedback from the workplace
- demonstration of personal competence targeted to qualification units and practices
The participants gave very positive feedback about the training. According to the feedback, the training was organized in a very professional manner, and the content was considered diverse and engaging. The event was also important for strengthening team spirit within the workplace, as it provided an opportunity to get to know others working with the shipyard apprenticeship model.
The shipyard’s own teachers were also present at the training day, which is important for future cooperation.
LeaderSHIP4Skills project’s second Training Workshop
Turku University of Applied Sciences hosted the LeaderSHIP4Skills project’s second Training Workshop on curricula design and training on 1 and 2 October 2025 in Turku. The workshop programme included focused discussions and working sessions related to Work Packages 3: Curricula design and WP 4: training Provision. Over the course of two intensive and collaborative days, we achieved substantial progress—setting a strong foundation for the forthcoming pilot courses and advancing the validation process of the project’s syllabi. We have drafted over 30 syllabi mainly on urgent skills than emerging skills curricula. Collecting information in emerging skills will be needed. As we mark the halfway point of this four-year initiative, the next phase promises to bring even greater engagement from industry stakeholders, both within the project consortium and across the wider shipbuilding sector.
At present, most curricula are developed at local or national levels, which limits opportunities for broader collaboration and knowledge sharing across Europe. To address this, there is a growing need to design and implement Europe-wide curricula that promote harmonized learning standards and foster cross-border cooperation. One promising approach could involve the development of massive open online courses (MOOCs) created and delivered collaboratively by multiple partners. Such initiatives would not only provide accessible, high-quality learning resources to a diverse audience but also strengthen partnerships among educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and research organizations.
Besides the intense workshop, participants had the opportunity to visit several laboratories located on the Turku University of Applied Sciences campus, gaining valuable insights into the educational and technological infrastructure supporting maritime and engineering studies. A notable visit was made to Quad Tech Turku, a multidisciplinary learning environment. Furthermore, the partners were given a brief tour of Turku UAS’ Engine and Powertrain Laboratory offering a glimpse into the advanced research and development activities taking place within the institution. The energy and collaboration in Turku were inspiring—and a clear sign that together, we’re building the skills that will drive Europe’s shipbuilding industry forward.
Naval Group
As an international naval defense player, Naval Group is partnering with countries seeking to maintain and control their maritime sovereignty.
Throughout the entire life cycle of vessels, Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet its customers’ requirements. Naval Group designs, produces, equips, integrates, supports and upgrades submarines and surface ships, as well as their systems and equipment, right up to the final phases of deconstruction and dismantling.
Naval Group’s unique know-how in autonomous systems, underwater weapons and drones place the company as a leader in the sector. As a high-tech company, it draws on its outstanding expertise, unique design, production resources and ability to establish strategic partnerships. It also provides shipyard and naval base services.
Naval Group has a long experience in training people and customer. The company designs a high range of training programs for Navies and its employees.
Ever mindful of the issues concerning corporate social responsibility (CSR), Naval Group signs the UN Global Compact. Located on five continents, the group generates global revenue of 4.355 billion euros and employs 16,722 people around the world.
Strengthening Norway’s Maritime Workforce: A Collaborative Path Forward
Norway’s maritime industry continues to evolve, driven by innovation in shipbuilding, digitalization, and sustainability. As the sector grows, so does the need for skilled professionals—engineers, technicians, and administrative staff—who can support this transformation.
Across Møre og Romsdal county, maritime companies and business associations are working together to address workforce needs. Initiatives include closer ties with educational institutions, expanded apprenticeship programs, and outreach to student communities in major cities. These efforts are already generating positive attention and engagement.
However, long-term workforce development calls for broader strategies. Traditional recruitment methods—such as job fairs and school campaigns—are valuable, but stakeholders are now exploring complementary approaches that align with wider societal goals.
Inclusive Recruitment: A Win-Win Approach
One promising direction involves connecting industry recruitment with social inclusion. Inspired by the LeaderSHIP program and its research, MAFOSS – together with NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration), Møre and Romsdal County Council and Furene AS - explores ways to reach out to individuals facing barriers to employment and to create meaningful opportunities for young adults who are currently outside education and employment. In Møre og Romsdal alone, an estimated 3,000–4,000 individuals aged 18–29 fall into this category. Nationally, the number is closer to 100,000. Many of these individuals are motivated and eager to contribute but face structural challenges that limit access to training and employment. By offering tailored support and inclusive pathways, the maritime industry can tap into a valuable pool of talent while contributing to social cohesion.
Looking Ahead
The maritime sector’s commitment to long-term workforce development is not just about filling vacancies—it’s about building resilient communities and sustainable careers. By embracing inclusive strategies and fostering collaboration across public and private sectors, Norway’s maritime industry is well-positioned to thrive in the years ahead.
(picture: Jan Thormodsaeter, Maritime Association for Southern Sunnmøre, and Kristian Severeide, Møre and Romsdal County)
Maritime Association for Southern Sunnmøre (MAFOSS)
The Maritime Association for Southern Sunnmøre (MAFOSS) was founded in 1969 under the name “The Workshop Association in the Ulstein Region”, with the goal of promoting the shipbuilding industry in the region and developing forms of cooperation to strengthen the competitiveness of its member companies.
MAFOSS covers a region consisting of seven municipalities in Southern Sunnmøre, Norway (Volda, Ørsta, Vanylven, Sande, Herøy, Ulstein, and Hareid), often referred to as “the Seven Stars.” The member companies represent an almost complete maritime and marine value chain: from idea and design, through equipment and components, to construction, assembly, testing, and final delivery.
As of today, MAFOSS has around 35 member companies, including four shipyards, the largest Norwegian subcontractors, smaller companies with detailed expertise, as well as classification and consulting services.
Jan Thormodsæter is the Managing Director of MAFOSS.
Under his leadership, the organization has placed strong emphasis on restructuring, skills development, and apprenticeships, as well as on finding increasingly better joint solutions to the challenges faced by its member companies.
This includes participation in the Erasmus+-funded program LeaderSHIP, where MAFOSS has the privilege of learning from the best in Europe in areas such as education, best practices, and overall understanding of the industry's challenges.
A highly educational and valuable project to be part of!
Some of the key areas MAFOSS has focused on recent years include:
- Skills development projects: For example, the MAKOMP project, which aims to enable smarter sharing of resources and capacity among member companies, as well as upskilling of skilled workers.
- Recruitment and apprenticeships: Ensuring access to vocational expertise and working to mitigate fluctuations in orders and staffing levels.
- Strategic collaboration: Working across industry, the public sector, and education to solve shared challenges such as infrastructure (road, sea, air), educational offerings, and creating strong framework conditions for the maritime sector.
Under Thormodsæter’s leadership, MAFOSS has strengthened its role as a regional facilitator: bringing member companies together, highlighting their needs and challenges, amplifying their voice to politicians and public authorities, and continuously working on innovation and future-readiness.
To get in touch with MAFOSS and Jan, please e-mail jan@mafoss.no or phone +47 92467700.
Further information about MAFOSS to be found at www.mafoss.no
Damen Workforce Romania
Damen Workforce Romania (DWR), part of the Damen Shipyards Group, is an international workforce solutions provider and trusted partner to the shipbuilding industry.
Our Mission
We deliver skilled professionals for naval shipbuilding, supporting both local and international projects with responsibility and commitment.
Our Vision
We deliver what we promise.
Our Values
Fellowship and teamwork, craftsmanship and quality, long-term responsibility and sustainability, client focus and entrepreneurial spirit.
Our Services
- Workforce selection and recruitment
- Training in our own training center
- Professional testing and certification support
- Employment, payroll, and travel arrangements
- PPE provision and full documentation assistance
Training Center
In our own training center, we can qualify workforce according to our client’s needs and / or organize development and multi-skills activities. To date, about 4200 people have been trained in various occupations such as welding, steel fitting, piping and mechanical.
Our Expertise
We provide highly qualified specialists with extensive shipbuilding experience, including certified welders, pipe fitters, electricians, mechanics, engineers, QC inspectors, and project managers. Our teams contribute to projects ranging from tugs and ferries to naval vessels, yachts, dredgers, and ice-breakers.
Through professionalism and reliability, Damen Workforce Romania ensures added value and success for European and international shipbuilding projects.
Meyer Turku
Meyer Turku is one of the world’s largest and most modern shipyards. We build the world’s most modern and environmentally friendly cruise ships, ferries, and special vessels together with our partner companies. Over the years, the Turku shipyard has built over 1,300 new vessels for clients across the world. Meyer Turku Oy operates at the Turku shipyard where ships have been built since 1737. Meyer Turku Oy is owned by the Meyer family.
Building cruise ships requires not only highly professional metal industry workers but also top expertise in design, project management, technology and product development. With our over 2,000 skilled workers, Meyer Turku can offer unrivalled expertise. This is why it is important to maintain our employees’ high level of expertise and ensure our personnel’s wellbeing.
Meyer Turku Shipbuilding school has a long-standing tradition (1962) training shipbuilding professionals in Finland. It’s one of the few schools still operating in Finland that is maintained by a company. The school works in close cooperation with all departments of the company and organises centralised training and courses for the personnel of Meyer Turku Oy and its subsidiaries. Many of our employees work as teachers and lecturers in addition to their own work.
Meyer Turku is involved in LeaderSHIP in several work packages, particularly WP4, which focus on piloting training programs
Contacts
Sini-Kukka Malmberg, Head of HR Process and HRD,
sini-kukka.malmberg@meyerturku.fi
Navantia participates in UDC Conecta to expand knowledge transfer between the university sphere
Navantia has participated in the launch of UDC Conecta, an initiative from the University of A Coruña aimed at boosting the connection between knowledge generated in the university sphere and productive sectors, so that scientific advances can have industrial applications and the value chain is strengthened.
The Head of Digital and Industrial Transformation for Navantia in the Ferrol Estuary, Rafael Morgade, took part in a round table to explain how this transfer of knowledge is being carried out, building bridges between Navantia and UDC, particularly with the Ferrol Campus. This fruitful collaboration, among other initiatives, finds one of its strongest pillars in CEMI (the Joint Research Centre, which also includes the Galician Innovation Agency).
CEMI was created in 2022 as the successor to earlier Joint Research Units. Its aim is to support the digital transformation of the shipyard, focusing on the optimisation of all production processes, the implementation of digital twins—both for plants and products—and the planning and development of the Block Factory, through the introduction of enabling and disruptive technologies.
The project concludes in 2025, with the various lines of research now in their final phase prior to implementation in the shipyard.
Navantia Ferrol brings together industry partners and VET centres for the needs of the shipbuilding sector
Navantia Ferrol has started holding regular meetings with representatives from partner industries, Vocational Training Centres, and the Galician Naval Cluster Association (Aclunaga) to promote communication between the industry and the educational sphere, to establish measures that adapt curricula to the needs of the shipbuilding industry.
The Director of the business of Frigates and Intervention Vessels Business, Eduardo Dobarro, summarised the goals of the meeting:
•Assess current and future needs by identifying the skills and competencies that will be required in the naval sector in the coming years.
•Develop a collaborative framework between ACLUNAGA, Navantia, partner industries, and vocational training centres to address the sector’s requirements.
•Create and adapt specific vocational training programmes that respond to market demands, ensuring that educational offerings meet the quality standards demanded by the shipbuilding industry.
•Facilitate job insertion by implementing strategies that ensure a smooth transition for vocational students into the naval sector labour market.
•Ensure that the defined action plan is carried out, meeting milestones and objectives.
The meeting was well attended and concluded with the definition of several actions in which work will be carried out from different areas. The meeting was born with a vocation of continuity and a second Vocational Training Meeting is planned in September.