​Steering Youth Reintegration into the Blue Economy: Highlights from Our Recent Webinar

The Turning Blue project successfully hosted its first EU webinar, "Steering Youth Reintegration into the Blue Economy," on March 19, 2026.
​The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from the justice sector, education, employment agencies, and maritime industries to explore how structured pathways can guide justice-involved youth toward sustainable careers at sea and along the coast. The session underscored the vital importance of cross-sector collaboration in creating inclusive workforce opportunities within the Blue Economy, providing a roadmap for social inclusion and economic growth.

Expert Insights: Lessons from the Field
The webinar featured a keynote address by Peter Dohmen, Head of Department and Senior Project Manager at the Westdeutscher Handwerkskammertag (WHKT). Drawing from his extensive experience with initiatives like "Handwerk im Hafthaus," Dohmen shared practical strategies for connecting correctional facilities with craft enterprises.

His intervention highlighted that building confidence between justice systems and employers is the cornerstone of successful reintegration. Participants reflected on common hesitations and discussed methods to overcome systemic barriers through transparency and consistent support.

Presenting the Turning Blue Transition ModelA central highlight of the event was the deep dive into the Turning Blue Transition Model. This framework serves as a bridge between justice, vocational training, and employment, offering a specialized approach to the unique needs of disadvantaged youth.

​During the breakout discussions, attendees actively contributed to navigating the challenges of scaling such initiatives and identifying the specific organizational needs required to make these transitions seamless for both the youth and the hiring companies.

​Looking Ahead: June 2026
This webinar marks the first installment of a two-part EU series aimed at strengthening inclusive pathways. The insights gathered will directly shape our upcoming activities.
We invite our community to look forward to:

• The Second EU Webinar (June 2026): Focused on employer engagement, mentorship structures, and the official demonstration of the Turning Blue job-matching platform.
• The Final Conference (June 26, 2026): Where the project's consolidated results and future roadmap will be presented.

​Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this meaningful dialogue. Together, we are turning the tide for youth reintegration.