Last week we interviewed young YEP MED graduates from Lebanon who are passionate in port logistics and the maritime sector, and who got awarded the YEP MED certificate following their completion of the international port logistics training program. Our mission was simple – to find out if the training and the certificate they received facilitated their access to employment.

Lebanon is still facing the unprecedented crisis that began in 2019. The local youth needs hope to stay in their beloved country and help prevent  a looming economic, social, and financial collapse. European programs like YEP MED that target Mediterranean countries represent a glance of hope for young Lebanese men and women. YEP MED training programs conducted in Lebanon by the Chamber of Commerce of Beirut and Mount Lebanon strive to empower and encourage the new generation for the Lebanon of tomorrow.

MAYSSARAH KALAOUN working in the Port of Tripoli

1- You have graduated and been awarded the YEP MED certificate in the international port logistics training program. What can you tell us about the benefits you received throughout this training program? 

The benefits I learned from YEP MED are the need for a better alignment with the needs of the labor market for technical skills and the dual TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) offers that exist in the Mediterranean port communities sector that help contribute to job creation. Through the involvement of young men and in the labor market, and greater focus on the need to increase local employment opportunities in order to enhance the skills sought by small and medium-sized companies and start-ups are vital. Ports are related to international trade, environment, sustainability, digitization and port logistics, all of which were topics covered in the YEP MED program. It proposes TVET by developing three main areas: foreign trade, environment and sustainability, digitalization, and port logistics, which is high on the list of preferences for companies and allows for greater job capacity.  This project’s goal was to develop education and training resources. Moreover, YEP MED will adapt cross training curricula to the actual needs of the productive sectors through personal monitoring of students and the creation of training courses that deal with environmental issues. Launching such educational programs that are aligned with employment programs, which also help establish partnerships between key stakeholders in the seven countries involved Spain Italy, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, France, Jordan, is phenomenal.

2- Did it help you to find a job after graduation?

Yes it did. After obtaining the YEP MED Certificate: International Ports Logistics Training Program and my diploma from the American University of Technology I was able to get a very nice and wonderful job in the Transnord Company (societé de transport du Nord) in the port of Tripoli. I am very happy in this job. I work in a wonderful atmosphere and with good and very cooperative employees.

ROSALIE YAZBECK working at Levant

1-You have graduated and been awarded the YEP MED certificate: international port logistics training program. What can you tell us about the benefits throughout this training program?                                                        

This certificate helped me understand the real world of port logistics, not only what I know from theoretical courses. This program was insightful since it was related to several countries and projects. Besides, the case studies were good and well received.

2- Did it help you to find a job after graduation?

This training program definitely helped me in ensuring access to several interviews in different companies.

MARIO BOUTROS RIZK working at Net group

1- You have graduated and been awarded the YEP MED certificate: international port logistics training program. What can you tell us about the benefits throughout this training program? 

YEP MED program helped me to understand the process from A to Z:

-How to ship the cargo.

-The steps that we should follow.

-What are the documents needed (understand every document and what they mean).

-How to use ERP system and how the ERP systems help us.

-To discover the involved parties in the process.

2- Did it help you to find a job after graduation?

YEP MED program helped me get through a lot of job interviews and finding my current job.

IBRAHIM OSMAN working at CMA Beirut Terminal

1- You have graduated and been awarded the YEP MED certificate: international port logistics training program. What can you tell us about the benefits throughout this training program? 

YEP MED training had a positive impact on my career. Throughout the training I gained a lot of new information, and I went deep into the details of multiple daily tasks. I had the pleasure and honor to know and get in touch with experts in this field. All the respect and appreciation for the YEP MED team and I wish them best of luck and success.

2- Did it help you to find a job after graduation?

I am working at CMA Beirut terminal.

JOE EL HAJJ working at gtl

1-You have graduated and been awarded the YEP MED certificate: international port logistics training program. What can you tell us about the benefits throughout this training program? 

I participated in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) program. It’s a program that lets you keep all your costs and data stored in a cloud, all in one place. It helps you stay cost effective and helps you find suppliers around the world. Today in particular it is important to understand that quantity doesn’t matter as much as the quality service that you provide to your customer to ensure long-lasting loyalty. The ERP program is so rich and interesting.

2-Did it help you to find a job after graduation?

I’m an employee at Antoine Amatoury Group since 2016. Now I’m Operation Manager of gtl logistics. It helped me, yes and no! Yes, we learned about the new programme and no because we cannot implement it in Lebanon for now.