Students from the Forma't al Port Talent 2023 course

The second edition of Forma’t al Port – Talent concludes, the high-performance training for the future talents of the Port of Barcelona

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This week marked the conclusion of the second edition of a high-performance training programme called Forma’t al Port Talent. This training is tailored for the top students from professional training centers in the metropolitan area of Barcelona. Eleven institutes from the Barcelona area participated in this edition, which was funded by various collaborating companies in the local logistics and port community. The initiative aims to train the best students on their path to becoming future employees of the companies involved in the programme.

Students from the Forma't al Port Talent 2023 course

BARCELONA, NOVEMBER 8, 2023 – The second edition of the Forma’t al Port Talent training programme concluded this past Tuesday, November 7, with the participation of 41 students and 11 teachers from various professional training institutes in the metropolitan area of Barcelona including: Institut Jaume Mimó, Escola Técnico Profesional Xavier, Instituto ECAT Barcelona Lluïsa Cura, Prat Educació, Stucom, Institut Estela Ibérica, Centro López Vicuña, Instituto La Salle – Gràcia, Fundación UAB, Barcelona Logistics Institute, and Institut Carles Vallbona.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Port of Barcelona, the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, the Diputación de Barcelona, the City Council of Barcelona, the Consorcio de la Zona Franca, port community associations, and a conglomerate of sector companies, all committed and interested in education, come together to make the Forma’t al Port programme possible. This initiative, driven by the Escola Europea, allows sponsoring companies of the Programme to address one of the most significant issues in the industry, identified within the framework of the Training and Employment working group of the Board of Directors of the Port of Barcelona: namely the shortage of qualified talent.

The President of the Escola Europea and the Port of Barcelona, Lluís Salvador, along with Catalina Grimalt, the Deputy Director General of Internal Resources, expressed this sentiment during the welcome reception for the selected participants at the beginning of the course. Montse Nomen, CEO of CargoClub Forwarders and CargoWine, and Jesús Martínez from Tecnocampus de Mataró also participated in the course’s commencement to share some inspiring experiences with the students to help them in their future in the industry.

This high-performance programme aims to identify the most talented candidates from the leading institutes in Barcelona through a rigorous selection process. Students had to surpass a series of tests and interviews to be chosen and invited to participate.

Those selected to participate had the opportunity to experience the components that make up a logistics and port community firsthand. Additionally, they received a detailed report of their professional profile, enabling them to become part of a specialized job pool for the companies involved in this training.

Similarly, accompanying teachers also received specific training aimed at identifying profiles based on behavioral patterns for better guidance of their students.

The entirely in-person and English-language programme unfolded over five days during which both participants and teachers had the opportunity to cultivate cross-cutting skills such as teamwork, communication, and organization through the resolution of an operation using the a case study. The course, conducted on board a Grimaldi Lines Ro-Pax vessel, along an SSS route between Barcelona and Civitavecchia, is designed for participants to acquire technical training. They get to witness the management and execution of maritime intermodal operations and observe how different actors in the logistics and port community of Barcelona interact. Additionally, participants learn the technical vocabulary of the sector and navigate an international port environment.

An increasing number of companies are participating in the programme, benefiting from access to a job pool featuring candidates specifically chosen through meticulous testing and selection processes. These candidates are trained to become the future professionals with the most talent from their institutes. Some of the companies that are already investing in the future talents of the sector include the Association of Ship Brokers of Barcelona, the Official College of Customs Agents and Customs Representatives of Barcelona, the City Council of El Prat, the Association of International Forwarders and Shippers, GCA, Port Transport S.A., CIMALSA, Condeminas, the Propeller Club Barcelona, Cosco Shipping, ZAL Port, and the recent addition of Balearia.

In this way, the Forma’t al Port Talent programme proves to be a reflection of the evolving needs for talent and training in the logistics and port sector. It provides participants with the knowledge, skills, and latest trends necessary to succeed in the transportation and logistics industry, benefiting both the participants and the companies by supplying the best qualified talent in Barcelona.

The Escola Europea Wraps Up Another Successful Edition of MOST Iberia Course

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The Escola Europea is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the latest edition of the MOST Iberia course, bringing together professionals from the Spanish and Portuguese logistics-port sectors. Notably, this year’s course witnessed a significant shift in participant demographics, with an increasing number of professionals from Portuguese companies actively engaging in the programme, returning to the shape that the course had pre-pandemic.

Over the course of four enriching days, professionals from diverse organizations, including ENIDH, Move Expert, Adm Porto Sines, Deloitte (with three participants), A3 Logistics, Port de Barcelona, Universidad A Coruña, Port of Tarragona, and Noatum (with two participants) from Spain and Portugal convened in Barcelona. This collective gathering allowed for an engaging exchange of knowledge, the sharing of experiences, and the forging of lasting professional relationships.

The course, which focused on intermodal logistics and motorways of the sea, provided an ideal platform for participants to enhance their competencies, while the unique environment of a crossing on Grimaldi Lines‘ Ro-Pax ferry between Barcelona and Civitavecchia allowed for a deeper understanding of each participant’s unique experiences.

Guided by a panel of expert professors, which included individuals such as Vitor Caldeirinha, the Director of SPC Intermodal Portugal, Javier Méndez, responsible for short sea shipping at the Port of Barcelona, and Antonio Vargas, an advisor of Grimaldi Logística España, the participants benefited from a well-rounded learning experience.

During the course, professionals from these diverse backgrounds came together in Barcelona to embark on a journey of knowledge sharing and collaboration. They explored various aspects of intermodal logistics and motorways of the sea, enhancing their professional skills and expanding their human networks.

The group also had the privilege of participating in a crossing on Grimaldi Lines’ Ro-Pax ferry, which connects Barcelona with Civitavecchia. This unique setting allowed participants to exchange knowledge, idiosyncrasies, and previous experiences from their respective countries.

One of the course highlights was the case study where participants tackled a real-life scenario related to short sea shipping viability. They applied direct and external cost calculations to evaluate economic, environmental, and social aspects of different alternatives.

For more information about the Escola Europea and its courses, please visit the official website at www.escolaeuropea.eu or contact us at [email protected].The Escola Europea is committed to facilitating learning, networking, and collaboration within the logistics and port sectors. The success of the MOST Iberia course demonstrates its dedication to fostering knowledge exchange and growth within the industry.

Escola Europea Finalises first Sicily Port Academy Course with Promising Outcomes

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The inaugural course of the Sicily Port Academy, organised by the Escola Europea, the European centre of excellence for logistics and intermodal transport training, concluded yesterday in Palermo. The course saw the participation of more than fifty students from ITS InfoMob Palermo and the University of Palermo’s Transportation Engineering degree programme.

Lupi: “An important achievement just a few months after our entry into the Escola Europea. An opportunity for education and employment.”

Over the course of two days, a series of visits, meetings, and lessons were conducted, all with the overarching goal of fulfilling the course’s objectives. These objectives included equipping high school, ITS Academy, and university students with the essential knowledge required to comprehend the Palermo community, its infrastructure, logistics facilities, and port operations. Additionally, the course aimed to facilitate companies in the sector, through collaborative associations, in showcasing the distinctive aspects of their work and the professional profiles in need of development. Furthermore, it sought to encourage these companies to engage students through internships and school-work programmes.

Rodés: “The beginning of a series of activities for the development of the logistics-port community.”

Eduard Rodés, Director of the Escola Europea, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We are thrilled to be in collaboration with the Port of Palermo, our recent partner, to share our knowledge and expertise for the purpose of contributing to the sustainable development of port logistics in this region. Initiating a course in Palermo represents a new and significant chapter in the history of the Escola Europea. This achievement is the result of the tireless efforts and dedication of numerous individuals, under the leadership of President Pasqualino Monti, with invaluable contributions from Luca Lupi, numerous other port operators, and, naturally, the Escola Europea team led by Country Manager Italy – Marco Muci and Alessia Mastromattei. For us, this marks the inception of a series of initiatives aimed at fostering the harmonious growth of a more well-prepared and unified logistics-port community.”

Luca Lupi, the Secretary General of the Western Sicily Sea Port Authority (AdSP), expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I am delighted with this remarkable achievement. The course garnered significant interest from participants and was organized shortly after our association with the Escola Europea. I extend my gratitude to Mayor of Palermo, Roberto Lagalla, and Giuseppe Pierro, the Director General of the Regional School Office for Sicily, who wholeheartedly embraced the project’s objectives. This endeavour presents a substantial opportunity for educational and employment growth within the city, particularly in the strategically vital logistics-port sector. Furthermore, I am delighted to announce the upcoming launch of the first navigation course departing from the Port of Palermo and concluding in Genoa. This initiative, also in collaboration with the Escola Europea, is scheduled to commence in the spring of 2024.

The successful completion of the Sicily Port Academy’s inaugural course marks an exciting chapter in the Escola Europea’s journey, showcasing its commitment to fostering collaboration and education in the Italian port and logistics sector. With the Port of Palermo as its newest partner, the Escola Europea is poised to further expand its footprint in Italy. As the institution continues to introduce new courses and projects, we can anticipate a bright future of sustainable development and increased opportunities for students, professionals, and the logistics-port community in this vibrant region.

Escola Europea Promotes Training and Digitization in India

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Mumbai (October 15th 2023) The Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport signed a memorandum of understanding with the Federation of Freight Forwarders in India (FFIA) yesterday.

Both organizations agreed that it is essential to build better-trained, qualified, and digitized port communities to enhance trade relations between Spain and India, making transactions more efficient and fruitful.

In the photo back row (left to right): Lluís Salvadó – president of the Port of Barcelona; Ester Capella – Minister of Territories and Transport of Catalunya; and Fernando Heredia Noguer – Consul General of Spain in Mumbai. Front row: Mr. Dushyant Mulanin from the Federation of Freight Forwarders in India (FFIA) and Eduard Rodés – director of the Escola Europea

The proposed agreement involves promoting joint activities in the fields of initial, continuous, and occupational training related to logistics, ports, and international trade. This will foster collaboration between associations, educational institutions, and universities in India and Spain.

Additionally, they will jointly develop a pilot training program focused on international business operations involving transactions between India, Europe, and Mediterranean countries. This training will encompass both maritime and aerial transport operations. Initial training will be conducted by personnel from cargo transportation companies and secondary and university-level educators, serving as a training course for future trainers.

Based on the outcomes of this pilot program and the mutual interest of the parties in further developing their relationship, a stable framework for joint courses will be established under the umbrella of the Port Virtual Lab project.

Through the connections formed from these collaborative activities, at both the corporate and educational levels, student exchanges between institutions will be promoted within the context of international projects.

For more information you can head to the news on the Diario del Puerto website.

The photo features representatives from SOC, Barcelona Activa, Pimed, Escola, Transcalit, and the Consortium of Education.

E. Rodés: The great transformation is for companies and educational institutions to work together

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The Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) came to a close on Thursday, but its significant panels continued until the very last day. In his presentation, Eduard Rodés explained that when discussing the collaboration between companies and educational institutions, it may seem as if we are referring to separate worlds. However, I believe that the most significant transformation in recent years has been the successful integration of these two entities.

The photo features representatives from SOC, Barcelona Activa, Pimed, Escola, Transcalit, and the Consortium of Education.

The photo features representatives from SOC, Barcelona Activa, Pimed, Escola, Transcalit, and the Consortium of Education.

Eduard Rodés, the director of the Escola Europea, spoke during the BNEW Talent event titled “Building the Future Training for Today’s Companies.” He emphasized that it is imperative for companies and educational institutions to collaborate to ensure effective training.

The panel, introduced by Núria Casas and moderated by Lourdes Sugranyes, Director of Inclusive Employment and Training at Barcelona Activa, featured other professionals from the sector, including Eva Expósito, who is responsible for Youth Support Services at the Public Employment Service in Catalonia; Silvia Miró, the director of the working area at PIMEC; Yolanda Redondo, the Secretary-General of Transcalit, and Gemma Verdés, the director of Post-obligatory Education and Special Regime at the Consortium of Education in Barcelona.

During his presentation, Eduard Rodés pointed out that while discussing the alignment of companies and educational institutions, it might seem as if we are dealing with entirely separate realms. Nonetheless, he stressed that the most significant change in recent years has been the successful integration of these two entities. The goal is not merely to train individuals and hope for subsequent employment but to equip them with the specific skills required for immediate integration into the workforce. Both initial training and ongoing education are of vital importance.

He also highlighted a shift in the role of the “triple helix,” which encompasses the public administration, academia, and businesses. Achieving alignment among these entities is crucial for making education a standard component of a company’s operations. Business owners need to take an active role, and educational institutions must become an integral part of the system to adapt their curriculum, ensuring that teachers and students are prepared to meet industry demands, according to the director of the Escola.

A while back, the Escola Europea initiated a programme called “Aprenem junts” with the intention of sending teachers to companies and having industry professionals teach in schools. Now, such participation is a requirement. In other words, companies interested in joining the talent pool they create must commit to taking on dual students, hosting teachers, and providing instruction to schools, as explained by Eduard Rodés.

These programmes are becoming almost obligatory, fostering a commitment between companies and educational institutions, as noted by the director of the European School. Lastly, he emphasized the importance of language acquisition, particularly English, stating, “We all need to ponder a question: Is Barcelona ready to take on a leadership role in the Mediterranean? For instance, all our courses are conducted in English because proficiency in the language is essential.”

Sustainable Logistics Takes the Stage: Escola Europea to participate at SeaFocus ESG Summit

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The SeaFocus ESG Summit in Finland is about to host a remarkable moment as the Escola Europea for Intermodal Transport marks its inaugural presence at this esteemed event. Scheduled for October 4th in Naantali, Finland, the Summit serves as a gathering of industry luminaries, experts, and professionals deeply committed to the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) within the maritime and logistics sectors. This year, the SeaFocus Institute, the event’s organiser, has extended a special invitation to the Escola Europea to showcase its innovative training offerings.

A focus on training

The Escola Europea, along with its dedicated staff and collaborators, is set to lead a comprehensive 2.5-hour training session during the summit. The highlight of this session will be the introduction of Port Virtual Lab (PVL), a ground-breaking platform that blends technology and education to create a dynamic learning environment in the field of port logistics.

Participants in this session will be encouraged to bring their laptops or iPads to fully engage with and experience the power of PVL.one. Through it, attendees will gain valuable insights into the logistics world, enabling them to explore cargo handling, customs procedures, and port operations as they navigate the complexities of international trade and transport through a safe and simulated environment.

Marco Muci, Italy Country Manager from the Escola Europea, emphasized the commitment to driving innovation in sustainable transport solutions. By offering transformative training programmes such as PVL, the Escola Europea empowers students to excel in the dynamic logistics industry by ensuring that what is taught aligns perfectly with real world professional realities. Also moderating the training session will be Jessica Cervini, a teacher and Ambassador of PVL at the Escola Europea, ensuring that the participants gain valuable insights into the future of logistics.

Ulla Keino, CEO of the SeaFocus Institute, underscores the importance of supporting sustainable supply chains and logistics education. SeaFocus aims to foster an active dialogue around teaching logistics and supply chain management with a sustainability angle in universities and universities of applied sciences. They also aim to brainstorm public-private partnerships for the development of educational programs in this field.

A Mediterranean approach in the Baltic

Adding to the excitement of the event, the Summit will also feature two distinguished guests: Jordi Torrent, representing the Port of Barcelona, and Pino Musolino, President of the MEDports Association. The Escola Europea holds a special place in the MEDports Association, as it is an official training center within the network of member ports. This recognition underscores Escola Europea’s commitment to excellence in logistics education and its pivotal role in shaping the future of the maritime and logistics industry.

Conclusion:

The Escola Europea’s participation in the SeaFocus ESG Summit in Finland signifies a momentous step towards the spread of its signature sustainable logistics education. With PVL.one at the forefront and the support of esteemed collaborators, the Escola Europea is poised to inspire a new generation of logistics professionals who are not only well-versed in industry practices but also deeply committed to environmental, social, and governance principles. This debut appearance is not just a milestone for Escola Europea; it is a testament to the organization’s dedication to the future of logistics and the pursuit of a more sustainable world.

Escola Forges Strategic Partnership with Saudi Logistics Academy in the Red Sea Region

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Jeddah, [6th September 2023] – In a significant stride toward enhancing logistics excellence in the Middle East, the Escola Europea has formalized a collaboration with the prestigious Saudi Logistics Academy, based in Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). The announcement was made during the inaugural Sustainable Maritime Industry Conference (SMIC) held in Jeddah, a high-profile event orchestrated by the Transport General Authority (TGA) and the Government of Saudi Arabia. The conference, which served as a beacon for maritime industry leaders, focused on charting the course for the sector’s future in the region towards the Saudi strategic Vision 2030.

Eduard Rodés and Marco Muci, representing the Escola Europea, represented the Escola as they unveiled this promising partnership. The MoU that was announced sets the stage for a fruitful and dynamic relationship that promises to revolutionize logistics education and foster increased trade and networking between the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. The collaboration agreement was sealed by Eduard Rodés on behalf of Escola Europea and by Abdullah Alabdulkarim on behalf of the Saudi Logistics Academy.

At the core of this collaboration lies a shared commitment to harness the innovative capabilities of the Escola’s platform, fostering the development of a new generation of logistics talent in the Middle East. By leveraging the Port Virtual Lab (PVL) platform and actively engaging the Escola’s Open Lab, both institutes aspire to provide a comprehensive and immersive learning experience tailored to the needs of emerging logistics professionals. Furthermore, this mutually beneficial collaboration serves as a safe haven for the exchange of knowledge and expertise between ports in these two distinct regions.

The introduction of PVL’s dynamic and real-life port community simulation to Saudi Arabia marks a pivotal moment in the development of the logistics sector in the region. This cutting-edge tool will immerse participants in the intricacies of international trade operations within a controlled yet authentic environment. The partnership between theoretical knowledge and practical application will equip logistics professionals with the skills necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving industry.

As the partnership between the two institutes gains momentum, the next crucial steps in this collaboration are already in the planning stages. The forthcoming milestones include the scheduling of a pilot Port Virtual Lab course, set to take place in early 2024. This innovative course promises to provide a first-hand experience of port operations within a simulated environment, further solidifying the practical skills of aspiring logistics professionals.

Following this, an immersive ‘Motorways of the Sea Training’ program will take place. This unique training initiative will offer Saudi students an exceptional opportunity to embark on a transformative journey to witness the workings of two Mediterranean Ports – Barcelona and Civitavecchia. This hands-on experience will not only broaden their horizons but also provide valuable insights into port operations on the Mediterranean side of the world. These upcoming actions underscore the commitment of both institutes to nurturing and advancing the next generation of logistics experts.

As the Escola Europea and the Saudi Logistics Academy embark on this transformative journey together, the future of the maritime industry in the region shines brighter than ever. Stay tuned for further developments as this partnership unfolds and sets new benchmarks for logistics education and industry advancement. 

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

Port Virtual Lab

Port Virtual Lab: Empowering Logistics Professionals Worldwide

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The Escola Europea is thrilled to announce the resounding success and international expansion of its Port Virtual Lab (PVL) training platform. Since its inception, this innovative educational initiative has transformed the landscape of port logistics education and created waves of opportunity for students and professionals worldwide.

Port Virtual Lab

In November 2023, the Port Virtual Lab will embark on yet another exciting journey, uniting with the Autonomous University in Barcelona (UAB) – our newest partner. This collaboration represents a significant milestone, bringing the PVL’s immersive learning experience to an even broader audience. The UAB is the second Barcelona university to put their faith in the Escola’s turn, incorporating the platform into their programmes, and ensuring that what they teach truly prepares their students for on-the-job demands of the logistics world. This follows the strategic partnership forged with the STC Group in Rotterdam. This alliance not only bolstered the PVL’s reputation but also marked a pivotal moment in the internationalization of the course. STC Group, a distinguished training provider in the bustling port of Rotterdam, added its considerable expertise to the PVL, making it a force to be reckoned with in the logistics education sphere.

Expanding Horizons: The Saudi Logistics Academy Partnership

The Saudi Logistics Academy’s reputation as a hub of logistics excellence in the Middle East is well-established. This month, our team travelled to Saudi Arabia to participate in the first edition of the Sustainable Maritime Industry Conference (SMIC) in Jeddah, organized by the Transport General Authority (TGA) and the Saudi Arabia Government. It was an event dedicated to shaping the future of the maritime industry in the region. During the event, we have discussed ways that we could leverage our innovative platform’s capabilities to nurture a new generation of logistics talent in the region, whilst nurturing trade and networking capabilities between the Mediterranean and the Middle East through education – which resulted in our signing of collaboration agreements to work together in initiatives like PVL and PLIKA – the Port Logistics International Knowledge Academy.

Escola team with Mr. Kitack Lim from the IMO

From left to right: Eduard Rodés (director, Escola Europea), Kitack Lim (secretary general, IMO) and Marco Muci (country manager, Escola Europea)

This partnership will introduce PVL’s dynamic, real-life port community simulation to Saudi Arabia, allowing participants to delve into the intricacies of international trade operations in a controlled yet authentic environment. It will bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, equipping logistics professionals with the skills they need to excel in a rapidly evolving industry.

A Global Impact in the Making

As discussions with the Saudi Logistics Training Centre progress, the Port Virtual Lab’s influence will extend far beyond the European borders where it first began. This expansion signifies not only the PVL’s global recognition but also its commitment to shaping the future of logistics education worldwide. With each new partnership, the Port Virtual Lab reinforces its mission to address critical skills gaps in the transport and logistics sector on a global scale. It’s a testament to the power of virtual simulators in preparing young professionals for the challenges of the industry, regardless of geographical boundaries.

Port Virtual Lab: Bridging Real-world Skills and Virtual Innovation

The Port Virtual Lab is more than just an educational platform; it’s a gateway to the future of logistics training. At its core, PVL offers a dynamic, real-life port community simulation, enabling participants to immerse themselves in a controlled yet authentic environment. It’s here that they can conduct simulated international trade operations, honing their skills in logistics, transport, and international trade. Over the past 3 years, the PVL has trained 3000 students, expanding its reach and impact.

With 23 simulated companies within a digital port community system, PVL sets the stage for an unparalleled learning experience. The platform’s crown jewel, the pilot freight forwarder module developed with the support of Click&Cargo, allows participants to engage in near-real-life import and export operations. These simulations provide participants with real-life contracts and up-to-date information, ensuring that learning is not just theoretical but truly experiential.

Transforming Port Logistics Education with Port Virtual Lab: Escola Europea and STC Group Join Forces

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[Barcelona, 05 September 2023] – The Escola Europea is proud to announce its strategic partnership with STC Group to further enhance and expand its Port Virtual Lab (PVL) training platform, revolutionizing education in the port logistics sector. STC Group, a renowned training provider in and around the port of Rotterdam, brings its wealth of recognition to the innovative training solution.

The upcoming course is set to begin in November 2023, offering participants a unique opportunity to enhance their logistics skills. This comprehensive training programme will span nine weeks, with sessions scheduled every Wednesday, providing a convenient and immersive learning experience for the international pool of participants.

Port Virtual Lab is an innovative and comprehensive platform that offers cutting-edge technological and educational tools. Serving as an online logistics lab, it provides international trade, logistics, and transport students and professionals with the opportunity to simulate real-life operations and access a wide range of tools to enhance their knowledge and skills.

The platform includes 23 simulated companies within a digital port community system. Notably, the pilot freight forwarder module has been perfected with the support of Click&Cargo, enabling near-real-life operation simulations of import and export operations. The PVL training programme spans over 9 days, offering interactive training modules and hands-on operations. The simulation is designed to provide participants with real-life contracts and up-to-date information, ensuring a dynamic and immersive learning experience.

What is Port Virtual Lab?

In 2020, Escola Europea initiated a tender to partner with a software company, aiming to develop an Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP) as the backbone of its virtual training model. This vision led to the birth of Port Virtual Lab, a platform that replicates a real-life port community, enabling course participants to immerse themselves in a controlled yet authentic environment and conduct simulated international trade operations.

Participants in Port Virtual Lab courses assume various roles within the extensive range of companies created for the platform, covering the entire supply chain. These roles include those in freight forwarding, shipping, airlines, road transport, railway companies, and port terminals. Plans are underway to further enrich the simulation by adding more supply chain actors, enhancing users’ experiences.

Benefits of Simulation in Training Endeavors

The initial phases of the YEP MED project identified critical skills gaps in the transport market, particularly in areas such as environmental sustainability, international relations, digitalization, and port logistics operations. To address these gaps, it was essential to ensure that graduates were well-prepared for the challenges of the industry.

Virtual simulators prove to be ideal for this purpose, offering several advantages:

  • Real-time Practice: Trainees can practice operations without market risks.
  • Scenario Diversity: Various real-life scenarios enable effective problem-solving.
  • Sustainable Logistics Chains: The platform allows for the testing of different transport combinations, prioritizing sustainability or speed as required.

Exceptional educational offerings are pivotal in preparing young jobseekers for rapidly changing industries. Simulators and virtual realities play a crucial role in helping young professionals gain experience and confidence. PVL has been a significant step in the development of such training tools in the Mediterranean region, and this collaboration marks the platform’s extension further in Europe and beyond. In the most recent course, participants rated the platform with an impressive score of 4.94 out of a maximum of 5 – highlighting the effectiveness of Port Virtual Lab in enhancing participants’ logistics skills.

Undoubtedly, the platform’s impact will extend to other regions worldwide and will continue to leave a lasting mark even after the project’s completion in 2023.

“I think that this has been a very useful activity, as it allowed us to put into practice the concepts taught throughout our Masters” – Anna Berenguer i Dasquens (University of Barcelona)

For more information about Port Virtual Lab and the partnership between Escola Europea and STC Group, please contact Orlando Reveco at the Escola Europea ([email protected]).

The Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport and the Regional Office of Sicily commit to training

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The Regional Education Office of Sicily (Italy) or (Ufficio Scolastico Regionale per la Sicilia) and the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the development of training in Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation (Percorsi per le Competenze Trasversali e per l’Orientamento – PCTO) for secondary school students in Sicily. Both entities intend to promote collaboration between the education sector and the labour market.

This agreement aims to:

  • Decrease the gap between the demands of the labour market and the academic curricula of vocational and occupational centres for logistics technical professionals, taking into account the forecasted scenarios in the employment field taken from regional and national data.
  • Promote an increasingly solid and widespread dissemination of technical, scientific, professional and entrepreneurial culture in schools;
  • Implement technical courses aimed at promoting the port-logistics community and its main actors through the ‘Sicily Port Academy’, facilitating the connection between schools and companies in the sector.
  • Promote actions for the guidance of young people and for the development of learning environments that draw on the operational reality for cultural, technical, scientific and ethics training, also through the contribution of sector experts.
  • To implement training projects in the port logistics community of Palermo thanks to the educational paths of the ‘Sicily Port Academy’.
  • To foster a process of cultural development in which transversal skills and vocational training are the essential components to face the complexity of reality and activate in young people a greater sensitivity in looking at the work context in which they live and in which they will work in the future, representing a constant educational challenge that involves all the training agencies in the area, all in view of the continuous evolution of the work realities of the Third Millennium society.

According to Eduard Rodés, the director of the Escola Europea: “The port logistics sector in Sicily needs to attract young talent at a time of great digital, energy and social transformation. The Escola Europea – as a point of reference for its partners who are ports and shipping companies – wants Sicily to become a model in this process. This strategic alliance between the USR Sicily and Escola Europea will facilitate and accelerate this indispensable pathway.”

“The protocol proposes to activate pathways for transversal skills and orientation (PCTO) that will allow students to come into direct contact with the logistics and port community and to learn about their professional paths, thus providing an important orientation/vocational cue for their future careers,” stated Giuseppe Pierro, Director General of the Regional Education Office of Sicily (Italy). “In this sense, PCTOs contribute to on-going in itinere through the development of an active protagonism and a greater awareness of their own talents and vocations; developing self-orientated skills becomes fundamental in a society characterised by the speed of change exacerbated by digital transformation. Orientation becomes more meaningful, the more students act in territorial occupational contexts, which allow them to apply knowledge acquired at school and develop skills through real scenarios”.

Upon the singing, the president of the Port Authority of the Western Sicily Sea, Pasqualino Monti stated: “Since last April the port of Palermo has been a part of the Escola Europea, the European reference centre for training in logistics and intermodal transport. This is a prestigious participation that can help us fill the gap for skills needed in the sector and to favour the continues development of workers’ employability. It is a fundamental step because we strongly believe, in cooperation with the Sicilian Region and the Metropolitan City of Palermo, in the training of new figures that are beneficial – or rather, indispensable – in our ports of call, which we have adequately upgraded and modernised in recent years. Vocational training – which this protocol seals – represents the strategic tool for every company to acquire the strength to compete; the winning weapon to expand into new markets, through the specific and professional skills of each person involved in the organisation’s growth process. A further surge in employment and, therefore, the need for highly qualified personnel, is what we expect in our ports today”.

“The synergy between USR Sicily and the Escola Europea, can undoubtedly represent an important opportunity for growth in terms of training and employment for the city in a strategic sector such as port logistics” said the mayor of the Metropolitan City of Palermo, Roberto Lagalla. “For a city like Palermo, which is currently looking at the port as one of the determining factors for its development, this agreement can only be viewed favourably because it can be a lever for training new professional skills”.