
GREECE
Upskilling / Reskilling in the Tourism Sector in Greece
Overview of VET System
Education in Greece is compulsory for children aged 5 to 15 years, covering primary education and the first cycle of secondary education, which is middle school that lasts three years. After this, students can choose between a general or vocational education path. Vocational education and training (VET) is regulated by the state, overseen by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
Vocational secondary non-compulsory education can be accessed through:
- Vocational High Schools (EPAL), which offer day and evening courses for adults and employees under 18. Qualifications from both day and evening EPAL are equivalent. Specializations, such as tourism administration, are available but vary by school based on regional needs.
- Vocational Training Schools (ESK), which provide two-year courses with theoretical and practical training.
- Vocational Apprenticeship Schools (EPAS) of the public employment service, which offer a two-year education.
The post-secondary cycle includes an optional apprenticeship year for EPAL graduates, combining classroom learning with workplace experience. This apprenticeship aims to enhance vocational skills and improve job market integration for graduates of non-compulsory secondary vocational education.
The main providers of post-secondary non-university education in Greece are the Schools of Higher Vocational Training (S.A.E.K.), formerly known as Institutes of Vocational Training (IEK), which can be public or private. Public IEKs are government-funded, offering free education without tuition charges. Programs at all IEKs typically last five semesters (2.5 years), consisting of four semesters of theoretical and laboratory training and one semester of obligatory practical training. Upon completion, students receive an attestation of program completion and can take VET certification examinations conducted by the National Organization for the Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance (EOPPEP) for an EQF level 5 certificate.
- Law 4763/2020 established a National System of Vocational Education and Training (ESEEK), aligning with the European Qualifications Framework at levels three, four, and five. Level three includes Vocational Training Schools (ESK) and Vocational Apprenticeship Schools (EPAS), level four covers Vocational High Schools (EPAL), and level five encompasses Vocational Training Institutes (IEK) and the Post-secondary Year - Apprenticeship Class of EPALs. Holders of an EQF level 5 qualification may enter tertiary education through a specific entry examination (on a pre-set quota basis). The purpose of the establishment of the ESEEK is to redesign the regulatory framework of VET to enhance the knowledge, competences, and skills of the workforce to adapt to societal and labor market needs. Law 5082/2024 further strengthens this system.
- Public and private VET providers are monitored by various entities under the Ministry of Education, ensuring alignment with labor market demands. Formal VET is primarily funded through the State budget.
- The VET system in Greece faces challenges, as it has historically had little appeal to young people and is associated with a stereotype of leading to 'inferior' work, unlike higher education, which is linked to social advancement. There is also uncertainty regarding the acquisition of professional rights for VET graduates. Additionally, Greece's educational culture favors traditional classroom learning, making EPAL programs the main route in VET. This results in VET attracting mainly low-achieving students from lower economic backgrounds, reinforcing prejudices and making it a second choice for education.
- To improve this situation, the reformed national VET and lifelong learning system (law 4763/2020) aims to enhance the quality and attractiveness of VET. Reforms have introduced greater emphasis on apprenticeship and work-based learning, facilitating smoother transitions from education to work and reducing youth unemployment. Two-year apprenticeship programs at the post-compulsory level can address early leaving from education and training by providing training linked to the local economy.
Market Needs in Tourism Sector
- Tourism plays a significant role in Greece’s employment landscape, accounting for approximately 20.89% of the country's total employment, with around 963,000 employees working directly or indirectly in the sector. In 2014, the tourism industry contributed 19.2% to Greece's total employment, and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, this contribution had increased to about 25%. The sector heavily relies on a workforce where more than 60% of employees are unskilled, posing challenges as the industry shifts towards higher service standards and sustainable practices. In 2023, Greece's tourism sector reported approximately 80,000 job vacancies, with significant shortages in hotels and food services. This labor shortfall highlights an urgent need to attract and retain skilled professionals to support the industry's continued growth.
- Although tourism is a primary growth engine for Greece's economy, it has not significantly altered the employment structure towards the service-oriented tertiary sector. The ability to maintain high-quality service and adapt to new market demands is crucial for Greece’s success as a global tourism destination.
- Key roles in high demand include chambermaids, specialized managers, receptionists, cooks, and customer service staff.
- Current demand for skills in Greece's tourism sector highlights several core skills required, including exceptional customer service skills to ensure guest satisfaction, multilingual proficiency for effective communication with international visitors, digital marketing and social media expertise for promoting services online, and technological competence with hotel management software. In terms of qualifications, degrees in Tourism and Hospitality Management are essential, along with professional certifications for roles like tour guides and hospitality staff. Additionally, sustainable tourism skills are increasingly important due to the demand for eco-friendly practices.
- Despite the rising need for skilled professionals, only 24% of employees possess formal qualifications from tourism schools, indicating a significant mismatch between industry needs and workforce skills. Many employees in key roles lack the specialized training necessary to meet modern service standards. This gap underscores the urgent need for expanded vocational training and educational programs aligned with industry demands to ensure workers are equipped with the skills necessary for Greece’s tourism sector's growth and competitiveness. Addressing this issue is vital for maintaining high service quality and fostering sustainable growth in the industry.
- Key training needs in Greece's tourism sector focus on several areas for development.
- Customer Service Skills: There is a high demand for enhancing workers' ability to handle customer interactions, emphasizing understanding and anticipating customer behavior, managing expectations and complaints, and cross-cultural communication due to diverse tourists.
- Personal Development Training Needs: Understanding corporate culture is critical as many unskilled workers struggle to integrate into their work environment. Training in personal hygiene is essential in food and beverage services, while efficient time management is crucial in the fast-paced industry. Upskilling in sales can improve revenue generation for front-facing roles.
- Management Training Needs: Managers need comprehensive training in costing and product knowledge to maintain profitability and enhance customer experience. Specialized training for buyers is also necessary to ensure quality-based purchasing decisions.
- Catering Sector Training Needs: Significant gaps exist in kitchen roles, with a need for specialization in wine, cocktails, and local products. Expertise in raw preparations is growing, necessitating fundamental culinary training for unskilled cooks.
- Cooperation and Corporate Culture in Housekeeping: The housekeeping sector faces challenges due to cultural differences among workers. Training must include cross-cultural understanding, basic cleaning techniques, and orthosomics to address health issues related to poor posture.
- Key focus areas for upskilling and reskilling include Customer Service with a Focus on Behavioral Insights, Personal and Professional Development, Specialized Skills in the Catering Sector, Managerial Development in Costing and Product Expertise, Training in Housekeeping and Ergonomics.
Existing Training Opportunities
TBA. Stay tuned!
