Greece: transforming vocational education – new training guides and educational materials for SAEK schools

A comprehensive and unified framework

In October 2024, the final version of 130 training guides for vocational training institutes (SAEK) and new educational materials was published under the project ‘Development of training guides and educational materials for Institutes of Vocational Training’.

The renewal of these materials includes:

• specialised training guides, educational materials and question banks, tailored to individual disciplines and career paths;
• supportive materials for trainers, trainees and stakeholders involved in training, as well as apprenticeships, and learning certification;
• unified methodology in developing, updating and using educational resources to ensure consistency.

A methodology that converts professional tasks in each discipline into structured learning outcomes lies at the core of this project, which started in 2023. The new programmes are aligned with certified professional profiles, international tools like ESCO, and global best practices in a more systematic way. All these efforts aim to develop new vocational education and training (VET) programmes that are better connected to modern labour market demands and industry standards.

Commitment to modernisation and continuous improvement

The unified approach in producing training guides, educational materials, and question banks ensures:

• validation of learning outcomes, reflecting the professional knowledge and skills required for each current specialisation;
• seamless integration with other curricula, including university programmes;
• simple and systematic updating processes to maintain relevance and adaptability of the educational materials.

A culture of continuous improvement, supported by a dedicated study to refine and enhance learning content is embedded in the project. This ensures that vocational education programmes remain at the forefront of market developments.

Collaboration with social partners

The active participation of social partners, through their scientific institutes, is also part of this change and guarantees the quality and validity of the learning content. By leveraging social partners’ expertise in programme design, the training guides based on the new approach bridge the gap between vocational training and the real needs of workers and businesses.

The role of certified occupational profiles

The National Organisation for the Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance (EOPPEP) reaffirms its commitment to advancing workforce skills and professional standards through the development and certification of certified occupational profiles. These profiles serve as a cornerstone for bridging education and professional practice, aligning training programmes with labour market demands, and fostering lifelong learning opportunities.

To date, EOPPEP has developed and certified 134 occupational profiles, providing a structured and detailed framework for understanding, defining, and practising various professions. Each profile ensures a robust connection between educational curricula and real-world professional needs, empowering individuals to thrive in their chosen careers.

A new era for vocational training

This modernisation significantly enhances the knowledge and skills imparted through vocational education, strengthens the assessment of VET learning outcomes, and increases the appeal of VET programmes.

Read more

• General Secretariat of VET in Greece. (2024). Training and study guides SAEK.
• EOPPEP. (2024). Certified occupational profiles.