Vocational Education and Training in Greece: Short Description. CEDEFOP Panorama Series.

Overview & Synopsis

As in the past, young people in Greece generally consider vocational education and training (VET) a last resort despite the state's continued efforts to promote VET as an option of equal standing and despite the research data showing that VET graduates face fewer difficulties in finding work than general education graduates do. In the past 10 years, Greece's national VET system has been reformed to secure flexibility in the training specializations offered and improve training quality by instituting a national accreditation process for vocational knowledge and skills. In addition, upper secondary education has been revamped to include comprehensive schools with no vocational orientation and technical vocational schools with two study cycles and two levels of certification. The following options are available for those seeking postcompulsory VET: school-based technical VET; alternating education and training activities at apprenticeship technical vocational schools; and one-year initial vocational training in areas covered by institutes of vocational training. Various privately owned and state-run organizations offer a number of continuing VET options for individuals who are unemployed, self-employed, or employed in enterprises. In 2000, Greece spent 3.8% of its gross domestic product [GDP] on education but less that 0.2% of its GDP on VET. (A 20-item bibliography and lists of acronyms and 25 government agencies and social partners are appended.) (MN)