The European shipbuilding and shiprepairing industry is a high-tech sector based on knowledge and innovation. Its highly-skilled workforce is a key factor in ensuring productivity, innovation and competitiveness. These facts were fully recognised within LeaderSHIP2015 and much progress has been achieved over the past years in passing this message.

Today, the public opinion is largely taking good note of the fascinating technologies applied in and produced by shipyards across the continent. Our vast oceans and seas offer huge potential and exciting growth opportunities for maritime industries and European shipyards continue to play a key role in developing and building the necessary hardware. To reach this potential, yards are constantly searching for the best talents. Nevertheless, more efforts are necessary to ensure that young graduates and highly skilled workers are fully aware of the exciting opportunities resulting from the dynamic evolution of shipyards. Modern shipyards offer manifold perspectives, posting new challenges regarding skills and adaptability in a high-tech job environment.

The European Shipbuilding Social Dialogue Committee wants to ensure that this message is not lost, despite the fact that shipbuilding, like most of the other sectors, is affected by the challenging economic times. Therefore, the Committee is conducting the Third European Shipyard Week featuring numerous events to promote the sector all over Europe.