THE BLUE ECONOMY WILL "BEAT" UNEMPLOYMENT
 
The importance of the “Blue Economy” cannot be ignored when 70% of the planet is covered by sea; when many economies are largely based on fishing, transport, tourism, oil, gas and renewable energy sources; and when 90% of trade is made by sea.
 
In the case of an island such as Cyprus, the importance of the Mediterranean Sea that surrounds it cannot fail to prove extremely important. This fact is marked by the history of the island, which has always been considered an attraction to conquerors due to its geographical location. 
 
Marine Advantage
 
In the current context, and in which the domestic economy has not yet been stabilised and many professions exhibit saturation, the advantage of marine wealth cannot go un-utilised.
 
A recent study conducted by the Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA) aiming to predict and identify the needs and demands in blue skills in the Cypriot economy between 2016 and 2026, contributes significant information for the future state of the labour market that is essential for the promotion of the sustainable development of Cyprus.
 
The study emphasises that the identification of the list of blue skills is not exhaustive, and also that the areas of oil extraction and natural gas in the sea have not been included in the estimates for two reasons: Because these areas require an elaborative specialised study; and because there is relative uncertainty regarding the detection of deposits, and the sizes and methods of extraction and exploitation in these specific areas. 
 
Tourism and Shipping
 
Briefly, the study’s main results show that employment in the blue economy is predicted to show an upward trend, resulting in about one in ten workers being employed in these sectors. It is estimated that the total employment demand will reach up to 5.4% per year, which means an addition of around 1,900 employees annually.
 
According to the HDRA study in the area of Marine and Coastal Tourism, 80% of employees in the blue sectors will be employed. These results demonstrate that there will indeed be a great need of employment in these sectors.
 
Furthermore, 17% will be working in the marine transport sector that will experience a significant upward trend. This sector is predicted to present a significant rise in employment due to the promotion of commercial shipping and its quest for utilising hydrocarbon deposits in the Cypriot EEZ.
 
Guidance
 
Young people who choose to pursue a career in blue professions need to be promptly and effectively provided with basic and specialised knowledge, as well as with the skills required, in this field.
 
For this reason, the counselling and professional education of our youth is crucial, and should include blue professions so that students can be provided and educated with the necessary information before they decide which career path to follow.

 
Young people who show a particular interest in utilising the opportunities offered in the blue profession fields can be supported greatly through the timely and effective guidance of a professional career counsellor. This will enable them to make an effective plan for their professional career and future. 
 
Filia Georgiou MSc, GCDF
Associate Career Counsellor
 
Compass4U