AGCT champions education, industry partnership to shape future logistics professionals

Student trainees at AGCT

Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT) continues to take strides in shaping the future of the logistics and transportation industry by fostering collaborations with educational institutions. Through initiatives that emphasize real-world learning, AGCT is bridging the gap between academics and industry, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills to succeed in an evolving sector.

This year, one of AGCT’s achievements is the partnership with the Technical School Rijeka and the Faculty of Engineering, which facilitated hands-on experiences at the terminal. The initiative culminated in an exceptional student receiving a direct job offer as a crane electrician-his first position post-graduation. This success underscores AGCT’s dedication to offering students real-world opportunities that ease their transition from academics to the workforce.

Beyond partnerships with technical high schools and universities, AGCT is also engaged with other institutions such as the Economic University, where the company currently hosts an international student for practical training. Additionally, AGCT maintains close cooperation with local traffic schools to design specialized programs that integrate classroom learning with hands-on field experiences. These tailored programs empower students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, preparing them for thriving careers in logistics and transportation.

This year also marked an expansion of the company’s collaboration with international academic institutions. Over the summer, AGCT welcomed two students from Belgrade University’s College of Railways through the ERASMUS program. These students gained insights into AGCT’s operations, working across key departments such as operations and commercial.

International student trainees with their AGCT mentors

In the operations department, the students explored the intricacies of rail logistics and the broader concept of intramodality, observing processes involved in yard, road, rail and vessel planning and execution. Meanwhile, their time in the commercial department allowed them to analyze major cargo flows, identify key producers and exporters in Serbia, and assess significant import streams. Recognizing Serbia as AGCT’s largest market, accounting for approximately 75 percent of cargo passing through the port, highlights the importance of this collaboration.

“Thes collaborative projects are vital for bridging the gap between education and industry. By working closely with educational institutions, we not only enhance the skills of future industry professionals but also contribute to the growth and development of the logistics sector. The hands-on experiences we provide are invaluable in preparing students for successful careers,” explained Emmanuel Papagiannakis, AGCT chief executive officer.

AGCT takes pride in developing the talents of tomorrow, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in an ever-evolving industry. The company looks forward to strengthening ties with educational institutions and continuing to create opportunities for students to succeed.