Call for proposals: Blue Careers in Europe

Call for proposals: Blue Careers in Europe

The Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, (EASME), acting under the powers delegated by the European Commission is launching a call for proposals with a view to concluding grant agreements, for projects in the field of skills' development for the blue economy. This call is launched in accordance with the 2016 Work Programme for the Implementation of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

This action aims at contributing to fill existing skills gaps by supporting activities that will increase the employability of various target groups in blue economy sectors (e.g. students, workers, unemployed people etc.). The applicant's choice of sector and target group has to be based on an analysis of the needs of the local or regional labour market and of the industry, including at cross-border level if relevant. In order to ensure that supported activities take due account of clearly identified needs, projects should bring together stakeholders from both the industry and education and training providers, as well as public authorities. Where relevant, projects should address the gender imbalance in the blue economy and encourage women to step into traditionally male-dominated work areas and vice-versa. Furthermore, projects should enhance the visibility and attractiveness of the different career opportunities in the blue economy, especially for young people.

Full details of the call are available on the EU Commission website.