Educational cooperation brings the port industry closer to young people

Galea Shipping is engaged in valuable and concrete cooperation with several educational institutions across Finland. The aim is to familiarise young people with the port industry, but also to help develop study programmes so that they better meet the needs of working life. 

Galea Shipping has been building connections with various educational institutions in different regions. For example, in Kokkola they cooperate with Centria, at JAMK University of Applied Sciences they have given lectures, and in Turku they have participated in events organised by Aboa Mare. However, the cooperation with Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) is seen as a particularly significant achievement for Galea Shipping, as it has resulted in a new BBA programme in Maritime Logistics, starting this autumn.

This cooperation did not emerge overnight; it is the result of long-term development work and networking among industry stakeholders. Katja Bexar, who works as a ship agent at Galea Shipping, joined the cooperation group about a year to a year and a half ago, but colleagues had been involved even earlier. The HR team at KWH Logistics has also played a key role in guiding collaboration with educational institutions.

The cooperation with SAMK began around 2022, when KWH Logistics’ HRD Specialist Maria Hietapakka first made contact regarding the initiative. Behind the cooperation group is the Executive Director of the Shipbrokers Association, Sari Turkkila, and its members consist of industry professionals from both the agency and shipping sides. The group meets regularly via Teams and works actively to develop education in the field.

“Practical cooperation with educational institutions takes many forms. It includes lectures, fairs, familiarisation visits and the planning of study programmes. Galea Shipping has been involved, for example, in designing SAMK’s training programme by explaining in concrete terms what kind of competencies are needed in working life,” Katja explains.

Through planning workshops and follow-up processes, Galea Shipping has been able to influence the content and direction of the training. Such direct dialogue between education and working life is valuable for both sides. Companies have the opportunity to influence future professionals, while students gain a realistic understanding of the industry’s tasks.

The cooperation has brought many benefits. Galea Shipping has gained visibility, expanded its network, and helped spread knowledge about the industry among professionals, students and stakeholders. However, limited resources do not allow participation in all relevant events, which remains a practical challenge.

“Still, the greatest insights come from real encounters — hearing different perspectives helps you develop your own thinking,” Bexar notes.

The broader significance of this cooperation is undeniable: it helps bring the port and logistics sector closer to young people. Many industries are not familiar to them beforehand. A port can seem distant if one has never had a reason to visit it. Through this work, Galea Shipping is helping expand young people’s horizons and career options, while also supporting regional vitality and the attractiveness of the sector in the future.