The EU funded project YEP MED set its anchor in the Port of Beirut community last week, as it launched the series of courses in port logistics for the local youth.

The first five-day long training targeting the Lebanese youth took place between 12^th and 16^th of April 2021 in Beirut. The course’s objective was to foster the skills needed in the port logistics arena to ensure a better employability and create job opportunities in Lebanon.

Organised by the Beirut Chamber of Commerce, the first technical and occupational training programme of YEP MED introduced the 60 enrolled participants to the Lebanese maritime sector and the Port of Beirut, as well as provided theoretical lectures in customs services, supply chain management, freight forwarding, and shipping lines operations. The programme also incorporated an onsite visit to the port of Beirut, where the students could explore Beirut port facilities, and witness any operations taking place within the port as well as at the Beirut Container Terminal.

Remarkably, 38% of the enrolled trainees were young women who expressed enthusiasm and eagerness towards this sector for the first time in their emerging careers, and to enhance their blue skills in order to potentially integrate into the local port logistics labour market.

“We are keen at the Chamber to engage not only the young men but also the Lebanese young women as added value workforce participants of the blue economy” stated Rabih Sabra, the Director General of Beirut Chamber.  “We stress particularly the sustainability of this pioneering training programme to inject the port logistic sector with skilled young manpower, particularly in light of future revamping plans of the Beirut port after last year’s tragic blast” he added.

The next YEP MED training courses in Beirut will take place on May 17, and June 14, 2021. The trainees who successfully complete the courses will subsequently enroll in the apprenticeship programmes in Lebanese logistic companies.

About YEP MED

YEP MED project “Youth Employment in the Ports of the Mediterranean" (2020-2023), is co-financed by the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) of the European Union and led by the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport (Spain), aims to develop port-logistics training and vocational (TVET) resources adapted to sector needs to strengthen youth employability for a Duration 30 months.