More than 100 young people discovering that Vocational Education and Training is not a plan B, but a real life project
Today I had the privilege of sharing a truly meaningful experience with more than 100 students, from intermediate and higher VET programmes, basic VET pathways and sports technical studies at the Institut de Nàutica de Barcelona, in “the Blue week” a talk entitled:
“Values, self-esteem and the prestige of Vocational Education and Training”.
Giving this talk in a centre like this has a very special meaning. It is not just another VET school. It is an integrated vocational training institute, fully specialised in the sports and leisure boating sector, located in a unique setting, right inside the Port of Barcelona.
Talking about the future, professional self-confidence and the dignity of skilled trades, with the sea as a backdrop and a sector full of opportunities ahead, creates a powerful and direct connection with young people.
The centre offers dual VET programmes in the maintenance of sports and leisure boats, as well as sports education programmes related to lifeguarding, beach activities, sailing and diving.
But above all, it offers something even more important:
👉 a clear professional pathway with purpose, identity and real career prospects.
The Institut de Nàutica de Barcelona was created through a cooperation agreement between the Consorci d’Educació de Barcelona, the Department of Education of the Government of Catalonia and the Consorci El Far.
However, its project did not start from scratch. The institute inherited and expanded the nautical and sports training offer of the Institut Rambla Prim, and from the very beginning it has been supported by Consorci El Far, which contributed its long-standing experience in training and promoting the nautical sector, as well as access to its facilities.
During the talk, I wanted to speak openly and honestly to the students about:
🔹 the real value of skilled trades,
🔹 the need to recover professional pride,
🔹 the importance of believing in yourself when your path is not the most visible, but the most meaningful,
🔹 and the key role that dual VET plays today as a direct bridge to employment.
The institute’s objective is very clear:
to train and qualify maritime professionals with strong technical skills, but also —and this is essential— with the right personal and professional attitudes.
Supporting students and workers along their own professional development pathways, through formal, continuing and vocational training, represents a responsible and forward-looking way of understanding education.
And being located at the heart of the Port of Barcelona makes it possible to do something that is absolutely essential for modern VET:
👉 to build real partnerships with companies,
👉 to strengthen links with the professional and sports environment,
👉 and to actively contribute to the competitiveness and development of the nautical sector.
Today, looking into the eyes of more than one hundred young people, I once again confirmed a belief I strongly stand by:
Vocational Education and Training does not need to justify itself.
It needs self-esteem, a strong narrative… and social prestige.
And centres like the Institut de Nàutica de Barcelona clearly prove that the future of skilled professions can also be built… from the sea. 🌊⚓
With the colaboration of: FINDER made in EU
