Public Vocational Education and Training was the focus of a Ministry of Education conference held earlier today, Monday.

“We are building a public vocational education system that does not lock in, but offers equal opportunities, more options and perspective for the future, opening more paths of learning and progress for everyone,” said the Minister of Education, Religion and Sports, Sofia Zaharakis.

The minister referred to the recently passed law on Vocational Training Academies, speaking of “a new model of cooperation between the public and private sectors, which effectively connects education with the labor market” and added that the new Standard Vocational High Schools continue, with “a strong network of interconnection with production and the labor market, with evaluation, modern equipment and lifelong learning policies that allow every citizen to evolves at every stage of his life”.

Ms. Zaharakis noted that from 2019 a “comprehensive plan to upgrade vocational education” is being implemented and pointed out: “Vocational education is no longer a second option. It is the first opportunity for creativity and decent work. The bridge that connects knowledge with practice and education with development. The Greece we envision is not a country where young people go abroad to make a living, but a country that keeps its children as a valuable “treasure”, supporting and investing in their talent”.

For his part, the Deputy Minister of Education, Konstantinos Vlasis, referred to the contribution of the Vocational Training Academies, emphasizing:

“Our vision is for VET to be a pillar of a conscious alternative choice of education-training for the young men and women of our country, contributing to the strengthening of social integration, integration and resilience. The Academies can be an important tool in our quiver for the overall upgrading of VET, they can be the guide for achieving the maximum possible interconnection with the labor market and ultimately pave the way for a substantial change in mentality, enhancing its attractiveness and making it a conscious and substantial choice of value for the young men and women of the country”.

The day of the Ministry of Education, Religion and Sports on the theme: “Public Vocational Education and Training in the New Era”, in the context of the “Upgrading of Vocational Education and Training” action, was held with the aim of presenting the reforms, investments and actions implemented to strengthen Public VET, to highlight its strategic connection with the labor market and to project the vision of Ministry for a modern, efficient and attractive vocational education system.

It was attended by representatives of the educational community, social partners, public administration officials, as well as students.

The General Secretary of Vocational Education, Training and Lifelong Learning, Olga Cafetzopoulou, in her speech, referred to the reforms that have been achieved from 2020 until today, the challenges that the political leadership of the Ministry of Education and Culture has to face, as well as the values, principles and goals of the new strategy for VET & VET. He emphasized that the VET & VET system should be open, qualitative and modern, offer equal opportunities, cultivate life skills and work qualifications and strengthen sustainability, innovation and social cohesion.

In addition, the Head of the Staff Structure of the NSRF MINISTRY, Pavlos Paschalis, analyzed the actions financed by the Recovery Fund, presenting the progress of the projects concerning the upgrading of laboratory equipment, the strengthening of apprenticeships and the promotion of green and digital skills.

The two thematic sections of the conference attracted particular interest.

The first, entitled “VET today: Choice of value – Identity, skills and perspective”, focused on the contribution of VET to youth employability and its connection to social and economic development. The speakers presented the scientific methodology for the development of the Training Guides by the social partners, complementary good practices.

The second module, “Green and Digital Skills – The new direction of VET”, focused on adapting vocational education to the challenges of the green and digital transition. New specializations and training programs at the Higher Vocational Training Schools (SAEK) were presented, as well as the experiences of Greek trainees and experts who participated in EuroSkills Herning 2025, proving that Greek VET is now gaining international presence and prestige.

At the closing of the event, the speakers underlined that Public Vocational Education and Training is no longer an alternative option, but a path of development, progress and social participation. Investing in skills and new forms of learning is an investment in the country’s human capital and the future of work.

The day ended with discussion and networking between teachers, institutions and students, confirming the will for synergies and joint effort in the formation of a modern, open and quality Public VET.