Nautical training, an investment in the future after the pandemic

Almost a year after the outbreak of the health crisis, the pandemic continues unabated, and the third wave is here in full force. The tourism and hotel sectors, the traditional backbones of the Balearic economy, continue inactive and other sectors are not picking up either. Hence, while dedicating all the efforts to the urgent task of containing the virus and saving lives, there is an increased concern for the economic consequences of the pandemic in the medium term, as well as a need to adapt the economic model to the post-Covid reality. In this context, the nautical sector is set to be an important source of employment on our islands in the future.

Being aware of this, AENIB has been working already for 16 years with the different public administrations in order to implement professional training programme for refit and maintenance of yachts in Spain and in the Balearics. We have been very insistent with the Spanish government, putting pressure on them to create this type of formation. We´ve had to work hard to defend the idea, as this modality didn´t previously exist. Balearic Islands being the region of reference in the sector, AENIB coordinated the technical experts who would work together with the National Institute of Qualifications (Incual) in the development of this formation, and in collaboration with the employer´s association at the national level, ANEN, demanded the launch of a mid-level degree of Maintenance Technician of Pleasure Crafts.

At the regional level, AENIB has also collaborated with the Balearic government providing assessment to the Institut de les Qualificacions Professionals de les Illes Balears (IPQIB -Institute of Professional Qualifications of the Balearic Islands), an entity in charge of administration and coordination of the recognition processes of professional qualifications acquired through work experience or non-formal education.

Unfortunately, the development of the professional training was blocked for 5 years in the central government. Once officially published, a nationally recognized facility must be implemented, where teachers are trained in different specializations, where new trends are constantly researched, and educational innovations are fostered so that the training doesn´t become obsolete. When it comes to the nautical sector, Centre de la Mar in Mahon fills the criteria and was approved by the central government in 2019. The declaration as a centre of reference means that the nautical sector will have access to a national centre of innovation. This is going to be a key element in the development of our strategic and emerging sector, diversifying and deseasonalizing the island economy while creating quality jobs. AENIB has also formed part of this initiative, providing assistance to the central government with technical specifications and supply of necessary equipment to carry out the training modalities.

Ultimately, as nautical entrepreneurs, we are very aware of the importance of good training in our sector and are committed to it in the long term in order to provide attractive job opportunities and to guarantee that the nautical sector will always have access to qualified professionals on the islands. Only this way the nautical sector can develop and create wealth, while keeping the Balearic Islands as the leading destination for refit and repair work in the Mediterranean. The competition is fierce, we must commit ourselves fully.

Now is not the moment to paralyze the projects destined to develop the nautical training. What is more, these projects should be imperative taking into account the potential job creation that they entail. Precisely employment will be the big issue for young people after the pandemic. Sadly, we already have the highest youth unemployment rate in Europe. Therefore let´s all work together, public administrations and companies alike, in order to provide quality jobs for our youth. They deserve a great future. Let´s make it possible.

Margarita Dahlberg

In charge of training at AENIB