Italian Maritime Academy Technologies (IMAT) – Italy
The Italian Maritime Academy Technologies, IMAT, was born thanks to the intuition of the founder, Captain Rosario Trapanese, and the entrepreneurial vision of the Cafiero-Mattioli family, shipowners for more than two centuries.
The desire to create a training center for seafarers suitable for the great Italian maritime heritage finds its realization in 2006 with the opening of a new site and the first investment for the purchase of a modern navigation systems simulator. The success is unstoppable and begins to grow enormously until the opening of an actual nautical college, offering classrooms, simulators, 165 hotel rooms, a restaurant, and all hotel services.
The key to its success lies in constant research and innovation in the training field, evident in a team of highly qualified instructors and the adoption of advanced technologies.
Today, IMAT can boast of a modern simulation complex composed of 3 advanced bridge simulators, 2 engine room simulators, beyond 258 linked workstations, 21 mini bridges, a large firefighting area with the reproduction of a real ship, and the first platform for PSCRB training on a private lake.
Confederazione Italiana Armatori (CONFITARMA) – Italy
Established in 1901, CONFITARMA, the Italian Confederation of Shipowners, serves as the primary association advocating for the interests of the Italian shipping industry. It unites Italian shipping companies and ship-owning groups across various sectors, including freight and passenger transport, cruises, and auxiliary traffic services.
The organization actively promotes the growth of the Italian merchant navy, emphasizing a policy that elevates maritime transport. CONFITARMA plays a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of Italian shipowning companies in their interactions with institutions, administrations, and various organizations on national, EU, and international levels. It engages in the negotiation and establishment of trade union and economic agreements, as well as collective labor contracts. Additionally, CONFITARMA provides vital assistance to its members on regulatory, economic, fiscal, and social issues, particularly in areas such as development, the environment, energy, infrastructure, logistics, tourism, business culture, the labor market, and training.
As an affiliate of Confindustria, CONFITARMA holds direct representation on the National Council for Economics and Employment (CNEL) and stands as a founding and substantial financial supporter of the Federation of the Sea (Italian Maritime System Federation) and the Italian Institute of Navigation (IIN), both of which play integral roles in representing the Italian maritime cluster.
BK Consult GbR – Germany
Founded in 1994, BK-con boasts extensive experience in EU-funded projects, both in development and implementation.
With over 30 years of expertise in transnational projects, BK-con has actively participated in designing and implementing projects with a total value exceeding 4 billion Euros. Operating within a multicultural environment and proficient in more than 6 languages, BK-con offers expertise in various fields, including Education, Employment Policies, and Social Inclusion.
The organization has established a broad network of partnering organizations and experts that extends beyond Germany, covering the EU and reaching overseas, particularly in Asia. BK-con delivers a diverse range of services, facilitating capacity building and ensuring quality assurance. The intention is to leverage this wealth of experience to provide added value for organizations and partners at the local, regional, national, and transnational levels, contributing to sustainable development and creating value for societies.
Mitropolitiko College Anoymi Ekpaideytiki Etairia – Greece
Metropolitan College (AMC) is a leading member of the AKMI Educational Organization, Greece’s largest private postsecondary educational group with over 14,000 students nationwide. Since 1982, AMC has been a pioneer in private education, offering a diverse range of study fields and standing as the largest UK Transnational Education (TNE) provider in Greece. Accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC), AMC’s degrees are recognized by NARIC.
AMC operates four campuses, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and specialized laboratories. The college collaborates with distinguished UK Universities, such as the University of East London, Queen Margaret University, University of Portsmouth, and Solent University, offering validated undergraduate and postgraduate courses across nine academic faculties.
AMC places a strong emphasis on student support services, including counseling, academic learning, and career guidance. The college is actively engaged in social responsibility, supporting organizations like “The Smile of the Child,” “SOS Children’s Villages,” and “Ark of the World.”
Metropolitan College’s Faculty of Shipping and Maritime Studies has a mission focused on training and developing highly skilled executives for successful careers in the dynamic global job market of the Shipping and Maritime sector. The academic programs, offered in collaboration with Solent University, a leading institution in Shipping studies, cover the latest trends and practical aspects of Shipping, Maritime, and Port Management.
Notably, AMC is the sole VET institution in Greece accredited by the prestigious Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers-ICS and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport-CILT.
Additionally, it holds Associate Membership with INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, and serves as a Marine Member of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science, and Technology (IMarEST). This further underscores AMC’s commitment to excellence and recognition in the global shipping industry..
Archipelagos, Institute of Marine Conservation – Greece
The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, operating as a Greek non-profit, non-governmental organization since 1998, has been actively addressing the pressing need for marine protection in the northeastern Mediterranean.
Through a dedicated international multidisciplinary team, Archipelagos engages in collaborative research with leading universities and organizations while actively involving local communities in conservation efforts.
With a continuous presence in the field for over two decades, Archipelagos focuses on marine and island ecosystems, working at local, national, and international levels.
The organization’s mission revolves around defending and preserving the biodiversity of the northeastern Mediterranean, with a specific emphasis on the Greek seas and islands. This is achieved through a holistic approach encompassing applied scientific research, education, conservation actions, and community engagement.
Europaischer Verband Beruflicher Bildungstrager (EVBB) – Germany
The European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB) is a non-profit network comprising more than 380 vocational schools, universities, and private organizations dedicated to making education a key component of EVBB’s mission.
Encompassing all fields and levels of education and training, EVBB’s Members contribute to the creation of a young, active, and employable workforce, as well as the continuous development of professionals. EVBB asserts that Vocational Training possesses the potential to be a driving force, fortifying our societies amidst current global trends and changes.
With a history of over 30 years, EVBB has been active between Germany, Europe, and the rest of the world, upholding values of inclusive, relevant, and high-quality education – in essence, striving for nothing less than excellence.
This path will persist in the years to come, with EVBB collaborating alongside a robust network of motivated Members across three continents: Europe, Africa, and Asia. The aim is to move forward, engaging in productive discussions and cooperation with partners worldwide who share the same commitment – bringing Vocational Training to the future.
Instituto De Soldadura E Qualidade (ISQ) – Portugal
Established in 1965, ISQ is a private, non-profit, and independent technological institution with a global footprint spanning over 40 countries. Renowned for technical inspections, engineering project assistance, consultancy, and Human Capital development, ISQ extends its impact through 17 accredited laboratories and a strong Research and Innovation (R&Di) focus. The ISQ Group, with 16 global companies and 18 in Portugal, collaborates with industrial giants, governmental bodies, and international organizations, while actively participating in over 500 projects, including lifelong learning initiatives, SME support, and human capital development.
Notably, ISQ Academy, with over 30 years of experience in EU funded projects, excels in all aspects of the training cycle, from needs analyses to implementation and evaluation. Their expertise encompasses national and international standards, e-learning/b-learning, digital learning, work-based learning, apprenticeship, technological training with ECVET, training for social inclusion professionals, professional marketing, social marketing for employment (including disadvantaged individuals and NEETs), entrepreneurship, and certification and recognition of knowledge and competencies. This comprehensive approach reinforces ISQ’s commitment to excellence in education and skills development.
Malta College Of Arts Science And Technology (MCAST)
MCAST, the Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology, is Malta’s largest vocational institution, founded in September 2001. With a mission to provide universally accessible vocational and professional education and training with an international dimension, MCAST comprises six institutes, including Information and Communication Technology, Business Management, Engineering, and Creative Arts.
Aligned with the National Quality Assurance Framework, MCAST’s Quality Management System meets European Standards and Guidelines, enhancing the appeal of its accredited programs for local and foreign students. Offering Vocational Education and Training (VET) across EQF Levels 1 to 7, MCAST caters to a diverse student population of 6,700 full-time students and approximately 5,000 part-time adults.
MCAST actively fosters entrepreneurship skills through a business start-up and Incubation Centre, providing free mentoring. Inclusive initiatives support learners with learning difficulties/disabilities, immigrants, and individuals facing social challenges. MCAST’s International Office actively contributes to Erasmus+ projects, collaborating with the six Institutes, Entrepreneurship Centre, IT Department, Curriculum, and Quality Assurance Departments, harnessing the expertise of its 700 staff.
Currently involved in 12 Erasmus+ projects, MCAST seeks a balance between European partnerships and global collaborations.
International partners, spanning across Europe, have played a crucial role in MCAST’s internal development, facilitating staff and student exchanges, contributing to the design of the new Campus, and shaping degree programs, including module delivery. MCAST’s commitment to building links with European partners aligns with its national dedication to working within the European Qualification Framework, establishing the institution as a dynamic hub of comprehensive and inclusive education.