With the goal of further strengthening vocational education, the Ministry of Education is initiating the establishment of Vocational Training Academies in collaboration with the private sector. The bill was presented earlier today, Friday, by Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis and Deputy Minister Ioanna Lytrivi at the Cabinet meeting.

The bill formalizes the collaboration between the public and private sectors, aiming to produce highly specialized professionals while addressing the specific needs of each region in the country.

The Vocational Training Academies

Vocational Training Academies will develop their own identity within local communities. For instance, in Imathia, they will focus on winemaking, in Arcadia on the pharmaceutical industry, and in Sparta on olive oil production.

The public sector will be responsible not only for establishing and operating the academies but also for securing building facilities and covering the salaries of trainers and administrative staff.

The collaborating economic entity will contribute by providing technical and mechanical equipment, ensuring internship or apprenticeship opportunities for trainees, and developing training guides (curricula), which will be approved by the Ministry of Education.

Collaborating entities may include private sector businesses, consortia or associations thereof, chambers of commerce, cooperatives, local government development companies, and institutes of social partners.

Attendance will be entirely free, internships or apprenticeships will be paid according to existing regulations, trainers will be drawn from the same registry as the Centers for Lifelong Learning (SAEK), and graduates will receive a qualification classified at levels 3 and 5 of the National Qualifications Framework.

Regarding the process, interested entities or businesses will submit an application to the Ministry of Education, which will be evaluated. Licenses will be granted provided all specifications are met, and the signed contract will have a six-year duration, with the possibility of renewal or extension.

Vocational Training Academies will operate under a Governing Committee, appointed by the competent Minister, with a three-year term. The committee will consist of five members—three from the public sector and two nominated by the collaborating economic entity.

Permanent Positions at the Ancient Patriarchates and the Monastery of Sinai

Another legislative initiative, supported by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and National Economy & Finance, was presented to the Cabinet by Kyriakos Pierrakakis and the Secretary General for Religious Affairs, George Kalantzis. This initiative establishes 600 permanent positions for “Clergy of the Diaspora” within the Legal Entity of Public Law (NPDD) “Apostolic Ministry of the Church of Greece.” These positions will be occupied by clergy (Greek citizens or EU nationals) who will be required to serve abroad.

This measure resolves issues related to the lack of salary, social security, and pension rights for Greek citizens serving as clergy in the diaspora, while also ensuring full coverage of the religious needs of Greek expatriate communities.