- 2021Implementation
- 2022Implementation
- 2023Implementation
- 2024Implementation
Background
The Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus (HRDA) aims to support systematic training and development of Cyprus human resources, at all levels and all sectors, in line with current and future labour market needs. HRDA is developing an integrated information technology system aiming at significant improvements in its operations and services by modernising the current ICT infrastructure.
Objectives
to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the services provided, while reducing bureaucracy and operational and administrative costs.
Description
The new integrated information technology system includes various subsystems such as an electronic archive, an accounting and human resource system, an internal portal, as well as the digital platform Ermis, covering the operational needs and all services provided by the HRDA using modern information communication technologies (ICT). The system significantly enhances the utilisation of new information technologies by HRDA and at the same time contributes to promoting the use of ICT and digital skills both by its staff and its partners.
The Ermis digital portal provides easy access to employees, the unemployed, employers and VET providers through simple and user-friendly procedures to all schemes and systems operated by the HRDA. It guides the user through registration and submission of applications, and through the processing as well as monitoring of their progress. The digital portal is where all entities that collaborate with the HRDA (persons, legal entities, consortiums, government bodies) must register. It makes VET more attractive to all interested parties (VET providers, enterprises, employees, the unemployed) by making registration easier and simpler, while also reducing the administrative burden when participating in HRDA's schemes.
In 2021, the integrated information technology system was partly operational. As part of this partial operational status, the Hermes digital portal provided the opportunity both to register as an entity (as a person, legal entity, consortium or government body) and to acquire the roles (employer, trainer of vocational training, vocational training facility, vocational training centre and centres for assessment of vocational qualifications) that are needed.
Applications for participation in the Employment and training of tertiary education graduates' scheme and the scheme for the Training of the long-term unemployed in enterprises/organisations were submitted electronically through the Hermes digital portal, while the use of the portal for these applications became obligatory as from 2022.
Throughout 2021 and by the end of February 2022, 2 712 people, 530 legal entities, 28 vocational training providers, 21 vocational training facilities and 132 employers were registered and approved. In addition, 16 applications for implementing a training programme were approved under the two schemes mentioned above.
On 1 June 2022, three more schemes began their operation solely through the digital platform:
- single-company training programmes in Cyprus;
- single-company training programmes in Cyprus (State Aid);
- single-company training programmes abroad.
On 12 September 2022, three more schemes were added in the digital portal:
- standard multi-company training programmes;
- high priority multi-company training programmes;
- continuing training programmes for trade union officials.
Throughout the year and by the end of February 2023, 40 610 people, 3 972 legal entities, 248 vocational training providers, 329 vocational training facilities and 889 vocational trainers were registered and approved.
By the end of 2023, 76 901 people, 397 legal entities, 271 vocational training providers, 325 vocational training facilities and 1 066 vocational trainers were registered and approved.
Until 31 July 2024, 100 482 people, 9 069 legal entities, 255 vocational training providers, 382 vocational training facilities and 1 232 lifelong learning trainers were registered and approved.
Bodies responsible
- Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus (HRDA)
Target groups
Learners
- Adult learners
- Unemployed and jobseekers
Entities providing VET
- VET providers (all kinds)
Thematic categories
Modernising VET infrastructure
This thematic category looks at how VET schools and companies providing VET are supported to update and upgrade their physical infrastructure for teaching and learning, including digital and green technologies, so that learners in all VET programmes and specialities have access to state-of-the-art equipment and are able to acquire relevant and up-to-date vocational and technical skills and competences. Modernising infrastructure in remote and rural areas increases the inclusiveness of VET and LLL.
This thematic sub-category focuses on establishing and upgrading to state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, equipment and technology, such as computers, hardware, connectivity and good broadband speed that should ensure quality and inclusive VET provision, especially in blended and virtual modes. It also includes specific measures to remove the digital divide, e.g. supporting geographically remote or rural areas to ensure social inclusion through access to such infrastructure for learning and teaching. It also includes support measures for learners from socially disadvantaged backgrounds to acquire the necessary equipment.
European priorities in VET
Osnabrück Declaration
- Establishing a new lifelong learning culture - relevance of continuing VET and digitalisation
Subsystem
Further reading
Country
Type of development
Cedefop, & ReferNet. (2025). Digital portal for the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus: Cyprus. In Cedefop, & ReferNet. (2025). Timeline of VET policies in Europe (2024 update) [Online tool].
https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/hr/tools/timeline-vet-policies-europe/search/42109