The project developed transitional skills stands in three occupations in the port operations sector whilst supporting the skills development needs of occupations in the ports operations between IORA partner countries to meet local industry skills needs. This important work supported industry, trade and skilled labour to profile the port operations sector. Key issues related to skills needs and industry engagement in VET in the IORA regional countries, led to a framework for benchmarking regional Occupational Standards (OS) and qualifications, as agreed to by the participating IORA member countries.