Event: ‘Presenting maritime and marine career opportunities’ on the island of Sifnos
On October 25, 2018, Mr. Leonidas Dimitriadis-Evgenidis, IMO Ambassador and President of the Eugenides Foundation, hosted an event in his hometown, the island of Sifnos, presenting career opportunities of the marine and maritime industry.
The event was attended by 35 students from vocational high schools and 160 students from the high schools in Sifnos, as well as representatives of local bodies and associations, retired seafarers, shipping executives and parents. The total attendance exceeded 220 people. Local press and local social media covered the event.
The IMO Ambassador and his team highlighted the contribution of shipping to the world economy, the importance of the human factor in shipping and the contribution of the IMO, which in 2018 celebrates 70 years since the Convention establishing the Organization was adopted, towards safe, effective and environmentally friendly global shipping. Furthermore, they invited young people the of Sifnos to pursue marine and maritime professions, highlighting their advantages in contrary to other professions.
Special mention was made to the role and importance of vocational high schools, from which Greek shipowners emerged as leading global shipping operators.
Mr. Dimitriadis-Evgenidis emphasized the need to attract and enthuse young people who want to start a career path in the marine and maritime industry, as it can provide the opportunity to gain unique experiences and skills, necessary for their personal and professional development.
He analysed thoroughly the need of gaining the necessary knowledge and skills through today’s educational system. A particular reference was made to the necessity of acquiring sufficient knowledge of Information Technology and strong foundations in science, as the seafaring profession radically changes in view of new regulations, automation, etc.
Finally, the positive response of young people should be noted, as well as the general assumption of the necessity of strengthening the institution of proper professional orientation.
The IMO Ambassador to Greece called the students to seriously reflect on the choice of their future occupation with professional prospects, such as naval and seafaring professions, bearing in mind that Sifnos, is an island with shipping tradition.
