Big Blue Accelerator - Skills development program implemented by HELMEPA and Knowl, with financial support from The Hellenic Initiative, aiming to empower youth through targeted training, mentoring, and career development in the Blue Economy. - Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA)

Section

SOCIETY

TOPIC

SUBMITTED FROM

Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA)

Initiative

Big Blue Accelerator - Skills development program implemented by HELMEPA and Knowl, with financial support from The Hellenic Initiative, aiming to empower youth through targeted training, mentoring, and career development in the Blue Economy.

Objective Action

The initiative set out to achieve a series of strategic objectives:

Empower youth from remote Greek islands with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in the Blue Economy.
Bridge the gap between education and employment through personalized training, mentoring, and career guidance.
Promote sustainable development by fostering awareness of maritime professions and environmental responsibility.
Strengthen local communities by enhancing employability and entrepreneurial potential among young people.
Create synergies between NGOs, social enterprises, and industry professionals to deliver impactful learning experiences.

Target Audience

The program targeted young individuals aged 18–25 from the Dodecanese and other remote Greek islands, with limited access to career development opportunities. Participants came from a diverse range of island communities, including Chios, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kos, Rhodes, Samos, Symi, and Tilos. They were selected based on their motivation to explore careers in the Blue Economy and their potential to benefit from personalized training and mentoring.

Duration

January 2024 – October 2024 (10 months)

Description

The Big Blue Accelerator is a Youth Skills Enhancement Program for Maritime Professions, implemented by HELMEPA in collaboration with Knowl S.E., and financially supported by The Hellenic Initiative. It targeted youth aged 18–25 from the Dodecanese and remote islands of Greece, offering a comprehensive and personalized learning experience.

Over the course of 700 hours of training, mentoring, and mock interviews, the program equipped 23 beneficiaries with the skills, confidence, and connections needed to pursue careers in the Blue Economy. A team of 35 trainers, mentors, and HR professionals from HELMEPA’s member network and Knowl’s expert community delivered all core components of the program.

The training was based on a 360-degree methodology, tailored to individual needs and aspirations. Participants engaged in personalized sessions that included strengths analysis, roadmap creation, and CV and cover letter development. These were complemented by group trainings in soft and digital skills, covering topics such as active listening, communication, digital tools, gamification, intercultural awareness, adaptability, and interview preparation.

In parallel, group trainings focused on the Blue Economy introduced participants to maritime professions, the role of oceans in climate regulation, sustainable coastal tourism, cruise and diving sectors, modern fisheries, entrepreneurship, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

One-on-one mentoring sessions and mock interviews with professionals from the Blue Economy further enhanced participants’ employability and sectoral understanding.

The program ran from January to October 2024, culminating in a graduation ceremony held at the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation Hall in Plaka, Athens, celebrating the achievements of the participants and highlighting the transformative impact of the initiative.

Working with Organization

The Big Blue Accelerator was implemented through a strategic partnership between:

HELMEPA – Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association, responsible for program coordination and sectoral expertise.
Knowl Social Enterprise for Lifelong Learning, which designed and delivered the training and mentoring methodology.
The Hellenic Initiative, which provided financial support and visibility, enabling the program’s implementation and outreach.

This collaboration ensured a synergy between civil society, education, and industry, maximizing impact and sustainability.

Workers Participation

The program engaged 35 mentors, trainers, and HR professionals from HELMEPA’s member network and Knowl’s expert community. These professionals played a central role in delivering the program’s core components, including:

Group trainings on soft, digital, and Blue Economy skills.
Personalized one-on-one sessions tailored to each participant’s strengths and aspirations.
Mentoring sessions with industry experts, offering career guidance and sector insights.
Mock interviews conducted by HR professionals to enhance employability and confidence.

In addition, HELMEPA & Knowl staff coordinated logistics, communication, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring smooth implementation and high-quality support throughout the program.

Their collective contribution was instrumental in delivering a transformative experience for the beneficiaries, combining expertise, empathy, and real-world relevance.

Initiative Location

The program was delivered online, engaging youth from the Dodecanese and other remote Greek islands, and concluded with an in-person graduation at the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation Hall in Plaka, Athens, honoring the participants’ achievements.

Impact on Society

The Big Blue Accelerator delivered measurable and meaningful results, demonstrating its effectiveness in empowering youth and strengthening connections with the Blue Economy.

700 hours of training and mentoring delivered.
23 beneficiaries successfully completed the program.
2 participants secured employment during the program.
18 training subjects covered, exceeding the initial goal of 10.
86% of participants would recommend the program to others.
100% satisfaction with mentoring sessions.
Media coverage and social media engagement reached thousands.
Strong stakeholder engagement, including the IMO and maritime leaders.

The program demonstrated that a targeted, experiential, and collaborative intervention can transform young people’s knowledge, skills, and opportunities, opening new pathways in the Blue Economy.

Benefits for Οrganization

The Big Blue Accelerator significantly enhanced HELMEPA’s visibility, strategic positioning, and impact in the Blue Economy ecosystem.

It strengthened HELMEPA’s role as a youth empowerment leader, showcasing its ability to deliver high-quality, skills-based training aligned with sustainability and maritime innovation.
The program was featured at high-level international events, including the 9th World Ocean Conference and Posidonia, reinforcing HELMEPA’s presence in global maritime dialogues.
It became a central discussion point in meetings with key stakeholders, such as the Secretary-General of the IMO, the Cyprus Minister of Shipping, and prominent shipowners, expanding HELMEPA’s network and influence.
The initiative generated strong media and social media visibility, supported by inspiring testimonials, infographic materials, and stakeholder engagement.
Beyond metrics, the program left a lasting impression on participants and partners, demonstrating HELMEPA’s capacity to deliver transformative, scalable, and collaborative initiatives.

Importantly, the program piloted a new model of engagement, where HELMEPA and Knowl activated their member networks through one-to-one mentoring sessions and mock interviews, creating deeper, more meaningful connections.

This collective approach fostered a sense of shared purpose and ownership among stakeholders, while strategically strengthening relationships with members and partners.

Through this initiative, HELMEPA not only empowered youth but also mobilized its ecosystem, reinforcing its role as a connector and catalyst for sustainable development in the maritime sector.