PROJECT CONNECT, the pioneering non-profit organization leading Greece’s early maritime education and youth employability ecosystems, proudly celebrates its 11th anniversary. Turning 11 carries the proud energy of a "fifth grader", full of growth, confidence, and ready to take on the world. Looking back at how it all began, Project Connect has successfully transformed from a daring vision into "the bridge that connects opportunities to young professionals in the making." Literally “connecting” shipping students to shipping companies through its innovative CV PlatformTM, created in 2015.
11 Years: The Fruit of Our Labor on Display at Posidonia 2026
The extraordinary milestones achieved over the past 11 years will be proudly displayed at the upcoming Posidonia International Shipping Exhibition:
- Visit the Project Connect Stand: Hall 2, Stand 2.544 (June 1–5, 2026)
- Attend the Landmark Conference: “Adopt a Ship™: How Early Education is Changing the Future of Shipping: Raising the Maritime Workforce of 2036.
Date & Time: Thursday, June 4th, 16:45 – 18:30.
Location: Metropolitan Expo, Seminar Room 2B.
A Historic Milestone: Bridging the Industry
A major foundation of Project Connect journey was the groundbreaking “1st Shipping Community Meets the Shipping Students” initiative. This landmark event set the precedent in Greece for bringing maritime industry leaders, shipowners, and aspiring young professionals together for direct dialogue, employability, and real-world opportunities, paving the way for the robust ecosystem we see today.
A Powerful Impact: From Classrooms to High Seas
Project Connect’s full spectrum of initiatives—referred to as the Youth Employability Pipeline, guides young people from early awareness to real employment. Its flagship program, Adopt a Ship™, authorized by the Greek Ministry of Education, has achieved breathtaking numbers:
- Over 30,000 pupils, 1,050 classrooms, and 670 teachers connected.
- 380 vessels and 500 captains exchanging over 4,000 letters.
- Over 300 vocational graduates secured placements in Marine Academies and Shipping Universities & 300+ job placements.
With recent expansions like the Adopt an EPAL and Short Sea Travel Experiences intro
duced in 2025, alongside its signature νιάτα ψηλά™ (Elevated Youth) seminars, Project Connect continues to build the maritime workforce of 2036.
Today, backed by a collective force of 65 shipowners—many of whom serve on the board of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS)—and more than 40 maritime service companies and academic institutions, Project Connect stands as the ultimate catalyst safeguarding the Greek Shipping Success Story.
Join the conversation at Posidonia 2026 and witness firsthand how early education is shaping the future of global shipping!
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone :+30 2109639140
Website/RSVP Details: https://www.project-connect.gr/
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