Regional Formation and Development Studies

Every country’s economy depends on workforce competencies that are developed mostly by education systems, in which institutions of higher education play an important role. With the spread of higher education and the continuous development of opportunities for lifelong learning, higher education institutions are facing challenges organising education by addressing the needs and preferences of different generations. As research shows, different generations have various learning preferences, needs and goals in life, and education. To organise teaching and learning activities effectively (now and in the future), educational institutions need to understand the characteristics of the multi-generational student population, and the tendencies in future changes to the student population. This is important for many industries, including the maritime industry. To supply young talent to the maritime industry, maritime education and training also need to take into account the future workforce and the needs of industry, in terms of new challenges, such as technological changes, sustainability goals, decarbonisation, and the blue economy. This paper presents an analysis of the changes in the student population at the World Maritime University higher education institution over the last five years, with a special focus on Generation Z. Insights into the organisation of effective education to address the needs of the maritime industry are presented based on the tendencies identified.