05-09-16 Vocational high schools and professional training institutes’ degree opportunities
The public system of vocational education and training offers two opportunities to high school graduates to continue studies and acquire professional specialisation after their studies at vocational high schools (EPAL) or at IEK professional training institutes.
- For EPAL vocational high school graduates
Vocational High Schools (EPAL) are part of the public secondary school system. In the second year of EPAL, graduates of all high schools can register to follow ONLY the courses in the area and specialisation in which they want a specialisation, and thus get a second chance for university admission with the special EPAL entrance exams.
In the second year of studies, one chooses one of nine professional areas and they take 23 hours of theoretical and workshop instruction in that area. In the third year they choose one of 36 specialisations, which must be related the general area of studies selected in the second year, and again they are taught 23 hours of theoretical and workshop classes in their area of specialisation.
Upon graduation, they receive a Level 4 Professional Degree (equivalent to European ones).
This allows graduates to:
Enter the labour market
Study in the newly-established optional post-high school study year, allowing entry into a real work environment in private enterprise and the public sector, under the oversight of the school with full labour rights, 75% of the minimum wage, social insurance, and supplementary workshops at the school. Following exams they receive a Level 5 certification.
They may continue their studies at university in related fields by taking exams in four courses (modern Greek, mathematics, and two specialisation courses). At tertiary technical schools (TEI) with a quota proportional to the number of EPAL and General High School candidates and at universities, with an extra 1 percent of slots.
They may continue studies at Institutes of Vocational Training (IEK) with three semesters of study in the same specialisation or five semesters to acquire a new specialisation. Following exams, they receive Level 5 certification,
At Institutes of Vocational Training (IEK)
IEK are part of the non-formal vocational training system. They offer initial vocational training in a host of specialisations so students can acquire knowledge and skills that will afford professional opportunities and allow them to adapt to changing labour markets.
Graduates of General High Schools and Vocational High Schools may register, as can university graduates.
The IEK programme is for five semesters, four theoretical and workshop training and the last a paid internship in the private or public sector, with 75% of minimum wage, and social insurance. The internship may begin after the second semester.
IEK graduates receive a Certification of Vocational Skill (BEK) which allows them to sit for exams certifying vocational skills and giving them a Level 5 Diploma of Vocational Training, recognised in all EU countries.
Additionally
EPAL and IEK graduates enjoy professional privileges in the public and private sectors where they can work in their area of specialisation or establish a related enterprise. They can postpone military service during study.
EPAL Registration is between 1-12 September, while IEK Registration is between 5-12 September.
For more information in Greek, the first link below regards EPAL and the second IEK.
EPAL: http://www.minedu.gov.gr/texniki-ekpaideusi-2
EPAL BROCHURE AT LINK BELOW
Συνοπτικό ενημερωτικό φυλλάφια για τα ΕΠΑΛ
