Greece: 2022 law reforming CVET system

The new law launches the setting up of new CVET programmes in line with the European policy priorities in employment and education. They will focus on high-demand and cutting-edge specialities, and the upgrading of digital and green skills. In this context, CVET is seen as an effective tool designed to address the needs of the labour market and support vulnerable groups facing the greatest difficulties in finding a job.

A set of provisions is introduced with the aim of consolidating the triptych ‘Evaluation – Quality – Certification’ in CVET, and funding criteria are aligned with CVET outcomes. In particular, with regard to the assessment of subsidised CVET providers, the criteria for quality control in training are expanded. The new CVET structure will be funded by the new National Strategic Reference Framework (NSFR) and the Recovery Fund.

The new CVET system

Subsidised CVET programmes are provided only by eligible CVET providers to beneficiaries of training. According to the new law, the analysis of relevant labour market needs is a prerequisite for CVET funding. This process is initiated by the DYPA, which also develops a framework for the evaluation and accountability of eligible CVET providers with the consent of the National Skills Council. This framework defines the criteria for CVET provision, the indicators for the post-evaluation of inputs and outputs, including the performance milestones of eligible CVET providers, and their accountability and performance indicators. The DYPA management is based on a tripartite structure, allowing social partners to be closely involved in any developments. The subsidised CVET programmes are linked to the certification of trainees, which is conducted by independent certification bodies. Under the supervision of the National Skills Council, a digital portal for skills will be established to enable direct and effective access of all to a flexible and inclusive upskilling model.

Individual learning accounts

A learning account in which subsidised CVET rights can be accumulated is created for each individual. Each account contains credits that can be redeemed for CVET, consulting, mentoring or certification services.

The individual learning account also functions as a digital file that contains indicative information that is necessary to build the profile of its holder, his/her training history, etc. The individual learning account can be managed through a special platform to which the CVET learners, their employers (in case of in-company training) and the DYPA career counsellors have access in order to match each profile with labour market demands.

The individual learning account can also be used by its holder to prove acquisition and validation of skills; it can thus be seen as an information tool supporting the individual’s participation in subsidised CVET or re-integration into the labour market.

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• Νόμος υπ’ αριθμ. 4921. Δουλειές Ξανά: Αναδιοργάνωση Δημόσιας Υπηρεσίας Απασχόλησης και ψηφιοποίηση των υπηρεσιών της, αναβάθμιση δεξιοτήτων εργατικού δυναμικού και διάγνωσης των αναγκών εργασίας και άλλες διατάξεις. [Law 4921/18.4.2022 ‘Better Jobs for everyone: Reorganisation of the Public Employment Service (former Labour/Manpower Organisation OAED) and digitalisation of its services, upgrading of workforce skills and jobs needs analysis and other provisions’]
• Το νέο καθεστώς της κατάρτισης [The new CVET system]
• Osnabrück Declaration on vocational education and training as an enabler of recovery and just transitions to digital and green economies
• European Skills Agenda
• Council Recommendation of 24 November 2020 on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience
• Council Recommendation of 16 June 2022 on individual learning accounts