- 2022Implementation
- 2023Completed
Background
The National Organisation for Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance (EOPPEP) represents Greece in various EU initiatives and fora. EOPPEP is the National reference point (NRP) of the European Network of Quality Assurance in VET (EQAVET) and takes various actions in the context of Erasmus + funding reserved specifically for projects by EQAVET NRPs.
Objectives
- to develop a quality assurance (QA) methodology for training programmes offered by the initial vocational training institutes (IEK);
- to use the methodology as a quality assurance 'tool' for initial vocational education and training (IVET) in accordance with the relevant regulatory framework of the General Secretariat for Vocational Education and Training, Lifelong Learning and Youth, the supervising authority for IEK.
Description
EOPPEP - in its capacity as an EQAVET NRP - is authorised to run an Erasmus+ programme entitled Towards an enhanced post-COVID VET (EPOS - VET).
The programme foresees the development of an integrated quality assurance methodology for IVET. This methodology will be piloted in three selected innovative IVET specialities which are provided by thematic and experimental IEK.
The selection criteria of the IVET programmes (for which internship in companies, usually SMEs is obligatory) entail:
- alignment with the European mandates/policies;
- relevance to the ongoing green and digital skills required by the tourism industry;
- alignment with the findings of IEK graduates tracking survey, conducted by EOPPEP, during the period 2018-19 and 2020-21;
- the priorities of the country, as these are described in the 2022-24 Strategic plan for vocational education and training, lifelong learning and youth, and in relevant surveys by the scientific institutions of Greek social partner institutions.
Piloting of the QA Methodology will take place in two IVET institutions, in the Attica region, in the thematic (STEAM) DIEK of Aegaleo and the experimental DIEK of Glyfafa.
The three IVET specialties selected for piloting are: Air transport services officer; Communication and information technologies in the travel industry (V.I.C.T. travel); and Digital marketing specialist in e-commerce.
EOPPEP - in its capacity as an EQAVET NRP - is authorised to run an Erasmus+ programme entitled Towards an enhanced post-COVID VET (EPOS - VET).
The programme foresees the development of an integrated quality assurance methodology for IVET. This methodology will be piloted in three selected innovative IVET specialities which are provided by thematic and experimental IEK.
The selection criteria of the IVET programmes (for which internship in companies, usually SMEs is obligatory) entail:
- alignment with the European mandates/policies;
- relevance to the ongoing green and digital skills required by the tourism industry;
- alignment with the findings of IEK graduates tracking survey, conducted by EOPPEP, during the period 2018-19 and 2020-21;
- the priorities of the country, as these are described in the 2022-24 Strategic plan for vocational education and training, lifelong learning and youth, and in relevant surveys by the scientific institutions of Greek social partner institutions.
Piloting of the QA Methodology will take place in two IVET institutions, in the Attica region, in the thematic (STEAM) DIEK of Aegaleo and the experimental DIEK of Glyfafa.
The three IVET specialties selected for piloting are: Air transport services officer; Communication and information technologies in the travel industry (V.I.C.T. travel); and Digital marketing specialist in e-commerce.
The QA methodology was developed including EQAVET quality assurance indicators and other international QA standards. In addition, a comprehensive and integrated self-evaluation process of public IEK (DIEK) was analytically developed and configurated in stages and distinct steps of implementation.
A self-evaluation manual, comprising the methodology, logical steps and tools for implementation, was developed for the IVET institutions and the companies providing internships that will be involved in the piloting.
On 4 and 5 May 2023, EOPPEP, as the National Reference Point (NRP) of the European Network for Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET), organised and facilitated a two-day peer review meeting. During this meeting, the quality assurance methodology for initial vocational training study programmes was peer-reviewed by representatives from National Reference Points in Germany, Croatia, Luxembourg, Hungary, and Slovenia, as well as the EQAVET Secretariat.
On 28 July 2023, EOPPEP hosted an International Final Conference/Webinar titled ,Development of a Quality Assurance Methodology for IVET Study Programmes & Presentation of the Pilot Implementation Results,.
The conference had a dual objective:
- to present the Quality Assurance Methodology for IVET Study Programmes along with the accompanying Implementation Manual.
- to share the results of the pilot implementation of the methodology in two public IVET institutes, the experimental IVET institute (DIEK) of Glyfada and the thematic (STEAM) IVET institute (DIEK) of Aegaleo.
The pilot phase was successfully completed, allowing for the wider application of the developed quality assurance methodology across schools of higher vocational training (S.A.E.K.), former vocational training institutes (I.E.K.).
Bodies responsible
- National Organisation for Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance (EOPPEP)
- General Secretariat for VET, Lifelong Learning and Youth
Target groups
Learners
- Adult learners
Entities providing VET
- Companies
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- VET providers (all kinds)
Other stakeholders
- Social partners (employer organisations and trade unions)
Thematic categories
Modernising VET offer and delivery
This thematic category looks at what and how individuals learn, how learning content and learning outcomes in initial and continuing VET are defined, adapted and updated. First and foremost, it examines how VET standards, curricula, programmes and training courses are updated and modernised or new ones created. Updated and renewed VET content ensures that learners acquire a balanced mix of competences that address modern demands, and are more closely aligned with the realities of the labour market, including key competences, digital competences and skills for green transition and sustainability, both sector-specific and across sectors. Using learning outcomes as a basis is important to facilitate this modernisation, including modularisation of VET programmes. Updating and developing teaching and learning materials to support the above is also part of the category.
The thematic category continues to focus on strengthening high-quality and inclusive apprenticeships and work-based learning in real-life work environments and in line with the European framework for quality and effective apprenticeships. It looks at expanding apprenticeship to continuing vocational training and at developing VET programmes at EQF levels 5-8 for better permeability and lifelong learning and to support the need for higher vocational skills.
This thematic category also focuses on VET delivery through a mix of open, digital and participative learning environments, including workplaces conducive to learning, which are flexible, more adaptable to the ways individuals learn, and provide more access and outreach to various groups of learners, diversifying modes of learning and exploiting the potential of digital learning solutions and blended learning to complement face-to-face learning.
Centres of vocational excellence that connect VET to innovation and skill ecosystems and facilitate stronger cooperation with business and research also fall into this category.
VET standards and curricula define the content and outcomes of learning, most often at national or sectoral levels. VET programmes are based on standards and curricula and refer to specific vocations/occupations. They all need to be regularly reviewed, updated and aligned with the needs of the labour market and society. They need to include a balanced mix of vocational and technical skills corresponding to economic cycles, evolving jobs and working methods, and key competences, providing for resilience, lifelong learning, employability, social inclusion, active citizenship, sustainable awareness and personal development (Council of the European Union, 2020). The thematic sub-category also refers to establishing new VET programmes, reducing their number or discontinuing some. It also includes design of CVET programmes and training courses to adapt to labour market, sectoral or individual up- and re-skilling needs.
Green transition and environmental sustainability have a significant place in the EU agenda (Green Deal), including the agenda for VET. This thematic sub-category refers to identifying in cooperation with industry, incorporating into VET curricula and programmes and teaching the skills related and needed for the green transition, including sector- and occupation-specific skills and those across sectors. It covers measures aimed at ‘greening’ VET programmes, including awareness and knowledge about climate change, green technologies and innovation, energy efficiency, circular economy and environmental sustainability. It also includes the use of appropriate learning methods that develop such awareness.
This thematic sub-category refers to updating VET curricula and programmes to incorporate skills related and needed for the digital transition, including sector- and occupation-specific ones identified in cooperation with stakeholders.
This thematic sub-category covers all developments related to work-based learning (WBL) elements in VET programmes and apprenticeships which continue to be important in the policy agenda. It includes measures to stabilise the offer of apprenticeships, the implementation of the European framework for quality and effective apprenticeships, and using the EU on-demand support services and policy learning initiatives among the Member States. It also covers further expansion of apprenticeships and WBL to continuing VET (CVET), for transition to work and inclusion of vulnerable groups, and for improving citizens’ qualification levels.
This thematic sub-category refers to the establishment and development of Centres of vocational excellence (CoVEs). These centres support the development of VET, including at higher qualification levels (EQF 5-8), cooperation of VET, higher education and research. They build on strong local business investment and support recovery, green and digital transitions, European and regional innovation and smart specialisation strategies. They provide innovative services, such as clusters and business incubators for start-ups, technology innovation for SMEs and innovative reskilling solutions for workers at risk of redundancy. The thematic sub-category is not limited to the centres supported by Erasmus+ funding.
Subsystem
Further reading
Country
Type of development
Cedefop, & ReferNet. (2025). Quality Assurance of IVET Programmes: Greece. In Cedefop, & ReferNet. (2025). Timeline of VET policies in Europe (2024 update) [Online tool].
https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/tools/timeline-vet-policies-europe/search/44605