How does YES TO SHIPPING FORUMS contribute to prepare and support newcomers in Shipping?
YES FORUM open dialogue platform aspires to present the maritime cluster to schools and university students, encourage young people to build their own network of contacts supporting their professional development, instill the idea of volunteerism and the value of participating in activities that contribute substantially to their orientation and, therefore, to their successful professional careers.
YES FORUM was conceptualized almost 10 years ago and we are proud to say that until today has gained the support of many respected Shipping Companies. Both 2020 and 2021 were
two extremely demanding years, constituting a great challenge for everyone across the world. Despite these special circumstances, YES FORUM team increased its actions, taking into con- sideration the need for open dialogue of young people with the society, proving to them that the crisis can be turned into an opportunity. Specifically, 23 open dialogues that lasted more than 60 hours with more than 140 speakers answering about 1.000 questions took place the last 2 years only.
YES FORUM social media networks, publications and posts about YES FORUM have been reached more than 2,000,000 people that have learned or heard about us.
All these years we have done many steps. Some of the most important that contribute to the creation of the next generation of shipping are:
All YES FORUM organizations are under the auspices of the Ministries of Shipping, Tourism, Education, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, GNTO & the majority of Greek Universities. YES FORUM represents Shipping in the European & National Youth Dialogue. YES FORUM was
part of the integration of shipping in school career days. The organization of the youth day in Posidonia Exhibition since 2016 and the presence of European Commissioner for Transport in the same event. A few years after, Vice President of the European Commission, Mr. Margaritis Schinas, had an open dialogue with young Greek Citizens during European Maritime Day 2021. Moreover, Captains, Ambassadors and Personalities with long history in shipping are sharing their journey and experiences with young people. The production of YES PAPER under the coor- dination and supervision of experienced shipping executives.
Furthermore, 70 volunteers, on average, participating in YES FORUM annually, the majority of whom have found work within one year of graduating from the University.
* CEO – NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS / Concept – Founder -YES FORUM / General Secretary – International Propeller Club (Port of Piraeus)
The answer was provided for NAFS magazine issue 143 in its special report “WOMEN in SHEPPING”