Building skills for the future: Highlights from the Shipbuilding Pact for Skills event

On January 21^st, 2025, over 50 representatives from maritime manufacturing industries, training providers, trade unions and policymakers gathered online for the Shipbuilding Pact for Skills event. The event, supported by the European Commission and the LeaderSHIP project, focused on the progress of the Pact for Skills in the maritime technology industry and explored future opportunities to strengthen skills across Europe.

The event kicked-off with keynote speeches from European Commission representatives from DG EMPL, DG GROW, and DG MARE. It has highlighted the growing importance of skills development in boosting industrial competitiveness, particularly in the context of green and digital transitions.

The commitments of the Pact for Skills were as well presented, highlighting its ambitious goal of upskilling and reskilling 200 000 workers, attracting and retaining 230 000 new talents, and mobilizing 1 billion euros of public/private investment. Two key projects, the CHAlleNGE 4S project, and the LeaderSHIP project, were presented as key contributors to the realization of these commitments. Both projects aim to strengthen skills development and ensure that the maritime industry is ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

In addition, Lisnave shipyards shared their experience of skills and labor shortages, and the urgent need for skilled workers. Deusto University offered an educational perspective, discussing ongoing efforts to align training programs with industry needs. Trade Unions echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of continuous training to keep workers competitive in a rapidly evolving sector.

Looking ahead, the LeaderSHIP project will continue to play a vital role in advancing the Pact for Skills, working to attract new partners and raise awareness across the industry. Through its efforts, the maritime technology sector will not only be able to meet today’s challenges, but also build a skilled workforce ready for the future.

The event served as a vital platform for collaboration and reaffirmed the importance of skills in shaping the future of the European shipbuilding industry.