The partners of the EU-funded Blueprint project MATES, met in Thessaloniki, Greece on 16 and 17 October 2019. The partners made great strides during the hands-on sessions devoted to the MATES Pilot Experiences, with the design of all 11 now well underway. These 11 Pilot Experiences aim to tackle skill shortages in the shipbuilding and offshore marine renewable industries – two sectors of many which are experiencing both opportunities and challenges with the drive towards a greener, knowledge-driven economy.