Building skills intelligence for the maritime manufacturing industry

The European shipbuilding and maritime technology sector is undergoing major and rapid change. In
fact, digitalization, new environmental requirements and demographic shifts are reshaping jobs and
skills across the industry. The sector is facing an ageing workforce and increasing difficulties in
finding people with the right skills, as the way ships are designed, built and maintained is evolving.
To respond effectively to these new challenges, the sector needs a clear and up-to-date
understanding of its skills needs.

This is why skills intelligence is a core component of the LeaderSHIP project. The main objective is to
better understand which are the urgent and emergent skills that the industry needs.
LeaderSHIP has developed a structured methodology and digital tool to collect and analyse skills
data directly from companies and training providers. The tool is based on a sector-wide survey and
allows the project to identify current skills and labour shortages, emerging skills needs and training
practices across different countries in Europe.

The results of the LeaderSHIP skills survey confirmed several important realities of the shipbuilding
sector. First, skills shortages affect all levels of the workforce. Companies report difficulties not only
in recruiting highly specialized profiles such as engineers, but also key technical roles such as
welders, pipefitters, electricians and boilermakers. This shows that vocational and technical skills
remain just as critical as higher-level qualifications.

At the same time, the data collected clearly shows growing demand for digital skills (such as
automation, simulation, advanced design tools, cybersecurity and data use), green skills (energy
efficiency, alternative fuels, environmental compliance) and transversal skills like problem-solving,
adaptability and teamwork.

Skills intelligence in LeaderSHIP is not an end in itself. In fact, the collected data feeds directly into
the LeaderSHIP Sectoral Skills Strategy, that will identify where training efforts should be
strengthened, which skills should be addressed, and how education and training systems can better
align with industry needs.

The LeaderSHIP project is laying the foundations for a long-term, European approach to skills
intelligence in shipbuilding. This approach will help the sector remain competitive, innovative and
resilient, while ensuring that workers are equipped with the right skills needed to navigate the green
and digital transitions. In this context, LeaderSHIP also contributes to and supports the objectives of
the Pact for Skills for Shipbuilding, reinforcing a coordinated and sector-driven approach to upskilling
and reskilling across Europe.

Here you can find the tools related to this article :
Delivery of a sectoral skills intelligence tool
Skills intelligence on emerging and urgent skills and skills gaps
Report on upskilling and reskilling support in the shipbuilding sector and financing schemes available