Project Connect, committed to offering opportunities of work experience in the shipping industry to Greece’s youth, held its 10th youth empowerment professional self-development workshop called WORK-SHIP, a full-day event at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens, Greece, on Saturday, April 26th. Over 100 youth, aged 17 to 29, attended, eager to learn how to gain work experience and what to expect from it.
“WORK-SHIP” is a professional readiness workshop for aspiring young shipping industry professionals for sea and shore jobs, geared towards helping Generation-Z and Millennials cover their greatest concern — obtaining an entry-level job and gaining work experience at a time when HR officers prefer candidates with at least two years of it. It also bridges the gap between future seafarers and shore personnel, fostering mutual support.
The workshop’s main theme was instilling key fundamentals of office and ship working culture — preparing young professionals to thrive in multicultural, high-responsibility, 24/7 environments both at sea and ashore.
Ms. Irene Notias, founder and director of Project Connect, invited renowned motivational speaker, Culture Architect, and expert in Anthropocentric Training, Dr. John Kalogerakis, to lead this inspiring workshop — a live demonstration of what JMK Anthropocentric Seminars are all about — offering young maritime students and graduates practical answers to their professional dilemmas.
Dr. John Kalogerakis (www.jmk.gr), acclaimed business coach and motivator known to the Shipping Industry, Multi-nationals, and Educational Institutions, once again “wowed” his audience. His solution-based, common-sense approach energized the youth, encouraging active participation, collaboration, empathy, and positive thinking — essential traits in today’s demanding professional environment.
The participants learned:
🔹 Real insights into maritime sector expectations
🔹 Essential employability skills and the right mindset
🔹 Teamwork, communication, and workplace ethics
🔹 Networking with industry mentors and bridging ship and shore experiences at an early age
Attendees came from prominent institutions such as Athens University of Economics and Business, University of Piraeus, University of the Aegean, National and Kapodistrian University, National Technical University of Athens, School of Pedagogical and Technological Education, Mediterranean College, Metropolitan College, New York College, Aegean College, AEN (Aspropyrgou, Kymis) and EPAL schools (Piraeus, Iliou, Ag.Paraskevi).
Opening remarks were given by Mr. Aris Koropoulis (co-Director, Astra Ship Management) and Ministry of Shipping Commander Ms. Panagiota Katsalouli, encouraging the youth to embrace the opportunities ahead.
Ms. Notias, the event’s MC, also introduced the tools Project Connect offers to enhance youth employability, including the CONNECT CV Platform, the owiwi game, and the My Shipping Career Office Support Toolkit.
Participants took a 3D virtual tour inside a fictional 8-story shipping company, Evdokia Maritime (symbolic for “good things to come”), introducing them to real office structures, departments, and job roles — a project created by Ms. Notias and Seaven Group Co-CEO Mr. Nikolas Tsalamanios during the pandemic to continue hands-on learning remotely.
Interactive discussions followed:
- Captain Paris Loumos (Operator/Marine Superintendent) and Spyros Chatzianastasiades (Operations and Environmental Officer) of Lotus Shipping Company shared real-life office work experiences and the realities of managing 24/7 responsibilities.
- Mrs. Maria Yiassa (Marketing Executive, The Swedish Club, and Project Connect Mentor) awarded 10 “Seaorama” shipping management games to active participants and shared her own career journey.
- Mr. Nikos Marmatsouris (Commercial Partner, NEXT Maritime) spoke on persistence being the key to career entry and success.
- Ms. Irene Notias (Marine Fuel Broker Business owner, Prime Petroleum & Bunkersplus) shared secrets to success and together with
- Sophia Piha described the procedures of the CONNECT CV-HR Platform which has recently placed over 25 candidates and is viewed by 95-member shipping and maritime service companies, for interviews.
Behind the scenes, the event production team — Sophia Piha, Elisavet Statira, Marina Anagnostopoulou, and Foteini Keramari, led by Irene Notias — dedicated months of effort to deliver this outstanding experience.
Project Connect applauds Dr. Kalogerakis, Astra Shipmanagement, the Sponsor of the Workshop and the Students from “Adopt a Ship” programs, Merchant Navy schools, business and maritime universities spent their Saturday investing in their future — absorbing practical knowledge and real-world advice.
All left empowered, inspired, and better prepared to apply for their first job in Greek Shipping!
If you believe the future of Greek Shipping depends on empowering our youth with the right skills and mindset — and you want to be part of this movement — join Project Connect in shaping a new generation of professionals. Reach out today and become part of this vital transformation!
PROJECT CONNECT
85, Vouliagmenis Ave., City Plaza, 16674, Glyfada
Office Cell: +30 6938 509 893
events@project-connect.gr
www.project-connect.gr
