A pioneer plan puts vacancies in the growing European marine industry of young prisoners. This is a beneficial solution for two important challenges for all sides: the shortage of workers in the blue economy and obstacles for employment for former members.
On the Sado’s Portuguese shore, Australter Antonio Korea faces a common problem. There is difficulty in finding her prosperous Mariskuaria workers, especially in the discovery of young people. “Unfortunately for our department, young people have less and less relationships with nature and work outside,” he explains. “Personally I benefit from it, but we see this attitude among young people less and less.”
This challenge extends throughout the entire sector of the European blue economy, which uses 3.5 million people, but need more workers to maintain its growth. From fish farming to coastal tour, many maritime companies face a series of employees’ shortcomings.
The ‘Turning Blue’ effort, funded by the EU, will be held in five countries till August 2026, contributing to hiding the vacuum: Portugal, the Netherlands, Romania, Cipre and Italy. This program is creating opportunities for young prisoners in maritime industries.
Win the stigma
“We see.” This is a victory for the judiciary, as employment is important to break the review cycle. This is a success for the blue economy, which is needed and growing workers. “
In the only youth prison in Portugal, Learia, they meet young people between the ages of 16 and 25, the project provides the ray of hope. Through virtual reality experiences, presentations and meetings with experts in this sector, inmates are exploring various professional paths in the maritime field.
“When we leave, it would be complicated to get a job because we were in prison. People will decide what we did,” says one of the participants. Blue drinking tutorials wants to deal with that stigma with direct links with training and employers.
Some companies in this field cooperate with this project and follow their attitude.
“Everyone worthy of the second chance”
Seainia, an innovative Beniche (Portugal) fisheries company, is preparing for sixth place of its employees (6 to 30 employees) over the next two years. The company, which grows small amounts of fish with recycled seawater in interior tanks, plans to move from a pilot system to a business installation, with the aim of producing 5000 tonnes of fish from here until 2030. Although its operation requires some qualified technical workers, the continent’s high level, working persons and selling, are sold.
Returning to the coast of Sado, Antonio Korea has already hired many former prisoners, and is still open to use. “Everyone deserves the second chance,” he says. “People who want to turn their lives and those who have passed hard times can respect the opportunity.”
The blue economy is particularly promised to rehabilitate its various jobs. “There are many practical work in fishing, aquarium and tourism in this field that require more qualifications,” Lourrenuo explains. “That is why we hope that these jobs are suitable for these young people.”
At present, there are about 1.5 million people in European prisons, such as ‘Blue Turn Blue’ will help solve both labor shortages and social restructuring. Innovation in hiring and training supports the sustainable growth of European maritime industries, and creates opportunities for those who are very needed.
