The budget increase for the action “Postgraduate Year-Class of Apprenticeships” was approved under the NSRF’s “Human Resources and Social Cohesion 2021-2027” program to 182.1 million euros, by decision of the Minister of Education, Religions and Sports, Sofia Zacharakis.

As it became known to the Ministry of Education, the total budget increase of EUR 57.100,000 (the initial budget was EUR 125,000,000) “responds to increased needs and documented success”.

This decision comes in response to the great appeal and continuing expansion of participation in the institution of apprenticeships, which enhances the interconnection of vocational education with the labor market and offers substantial professional perspectives to EPAL graduates.

“This is a move of a practical recognition of an institution that has proven its usefulness and effectiveness towards our children,” said EDUCATION Minister Sofia Zacharakis.

The minister added: “With a total budget of 182.1 million euros, we are responding to modern increased needs, the great participation of EPAL graduates and the enhanced confidence of young people towards apprenticeships as a powerful tool for their subsequent career path. The fact that the number of apprentices has almost doubled within two years – from 3,899 in 2022-2023 and 470 sections in 6,955 in 2024-2025 and 802 sections – confirms that this is an action with a separate educational footprint.

But also the fact that 63.2% of positions are offered by private businesses, proves that the labor market embraces the institution and recognizes the importance of vocational education in meeting its needs. Investing in apprenticeship is not just an educational condition. It is an investment in the future, to strengthen the skills of our young people, in enhancing employability and ultimately, in the creation of a more durable and productive economy. The apprenticeship came to stay and even further. “

It is recalled that the “Postgraduate Year of Apprenticeship” is optional, belongs to post-graduate vocational training and is an educational path, whose completion, after successful certification exams by its graduates, leads to a title of five (5) of the ERC.

The “Postgraduate Year-Class of Apprenticeship” applies the apprenticeship methodology, which includes:

  • (a) Apprenticeship with a workplace training at a percentage of at least fifty percent (50%) of the total duration and
  • (b) Laboratory of specialty courses, which are held in a school workshop (SE) or EC. The responsibility of the implementation of the post -apprenticeship classroom year has the OP

Increase entries – almost doubling apprentices

According to data from the Ministry of Education, during the educational year 2024-2025, a significant enhancement of the action was recorded, with the operation of 802 “Postgraduate Year-Apprenticeship” sections, which host 6,955 apprentices.

Compared to the educational year 2022-2023, in which 470 departments of 3,899 apprentices operated, there is almost doubling both in the number of departments and participants, which confirms the confidence of young people in the institution and the growing dynamics of action.

The total provision for the next programming period relates to 27,600 beneficiaries, a number that reflects universal acceptance and the need to strengthen the institution.

Strong support from the private sector

Of particular importance is considered by the ministry and support from the private sector, as 63.2% of apprenticeships are offered by private businesses. According to the ministry, “increased business involvement is a decisive factor in the success of the institution, as it ensures quality training positions, enhances the connection of vocational education with real market needs and creates favorable conditions for the integration of young people into employment.”

Continuing and enhancing actions under NSRF 2021-2027

This aid is part of the broader context of targeted actions of the Operational Program “Human Resources and Social Cohesion 2021-2027”, which focuses on upgrading human capital and improving employment access. The budget increase is accompanied by the corresponding adjustment of the outflows to ensure the effective monitoring and evaluation of the action.

“Investing in apprenticeship, with steady steps, strengthens the future of young people, ensures quality vocational training and contributes decisively to the formation of a modern and competitive economy,” the ministry said.