The deadline for the online submission of applications for admission to the seven Experimental Vocational Schools (PEPAS) Apprenticeships of the Public Employment Service (DYPA) for the school year 2024-2025 in three specialties in high demand in the tourism and hospitality sector is extended until October 18, 2024 , which are: hotel reception, culinary art and catering.

Those who are 18 years of age or older and have at least a High School Diploma have the right to apply. A good knowledge of a foreign language (English, French or German) is required for the “hotel customer reception clerk” specialty.

Applications can be submitted via gov.gr at: https://www.gov.gr/ipiresies/ekpaideuse/eggraphe-se-skholeio/eggraphe-se-peiramatike-epaggelmatike-skhole-tes-dypa.

Specifically, the route is: gov.gr → Education → Enrollment in a school → Enrollment in an Experimental Vocational School of DYPA.

PEPAS operates in seven cities (Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Crete, Mytilini, Patras and Rhodes) and applies the dual education system, which combines theoretical and laboratory professional education at the School with the workplace learning program in real working conditions (on-the-job-training). The aim is for the trainee to acquire the necessary theoretical knowledge, but also the professional experience in the labor market.

The theoretical part is implemented at PEPAS from November to April, while the apprenticeship in companies takes place from May to October, with 8 hours a day, five days a week. The pay of the students during the apprenticeship in the companies amounts to 176 euros per week.

For the operation of the Experimental EPAS, DYPA collaborates with the Hellenic-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Institute of the Association of Hellenic Tourism Enterprises (INSETE), which have extensive experience in the field of professional education and tourism. As mentioned in a related announcement, the collaboration guarantees placement in apprenticeships in distinguished businesses in the tourism sector (4* and 5* hotels), but also strengthens the prospect of professional rehabilitation, after completing the studies.

The specializations in the Experimental EPAS for the school year 2024-2025 are as follows:

  • PEPAS Kalamaki-Heraklion Crete-Rhodes: Culinary Artisan, Hotel Receptionist and Food Service Artisan
  • PEPAS of Mytilene-Patras: Culinary Artisan and Catering Artisan
  • PEPAS Thessaloniki: Hotel Receptionist and Catering Technician
  • PEPAS Corfu: Hotel Receptionist

The students of the Experimental EPAS:

  • undertake a paid and insured workplace learning program,
  • they study in modern and fully equipped laboratories and are provided with the necessary books and aids,
  • are trained by experienced and highly qualified teaching staff,
  • they receive a housing allowance, which was doubled to 240 euros per month, as well as a feeding allowance, which was increased to 9 euros per day, with expanded income criteria,
  • they are entitled to study leave, up to 30 days, with wages and postponement of conscription.

More information: https://www.dypa.gov.gr/mathitia?tab=peiramatikes-skholes-epas-dypa&tab2=&tab3=.