Real upskilling is a common goal for DYPA and the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus (HRDA)

A delegation of the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus (HRDA) visited today the Head Office of the Public Employment Service (DYPA) in Athens, as well as DYPA's educational units in Galatsi.

The visit was organised in the framework of the cooperation in the fields of the labour force skills development leading to quality jobs and the continuing vocational training and reskilling for labour market integration that was launched in July when both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Nicosia.

The HRDA delegation (consisting of the Head of the HRDA Management Board, Konstantinos Fellas, the Director General, Giannis Mourouzidis, the Research and Planning Director, Spiros Spirou, and the Senior Officer of the Training Services Directorate Gianna Korelli) met with DYPA Governor, Spiros Protopsaltis, Deputy Governor, Gianna Hormova, the Vocational Education and Training General Director, Evgeneia Laina, and other senior DYPA officials.

The aim of the visit is for the two institutions to exchange know-how in matters pertaining to the further promotion and upgrading of the vocational education and training and to take up joint actions for the skills development and strengthening of the labour force in Greece and Cyprus.

The meeting was concluded with a guided visit in the Vocational Training School for Persons with Disabilities, the Apprenticeship Vocational School (EPAS) and the Higher Vocational Training School (SAEK) in Galatsi. The HRDA delegation had the opportunity to meet with teaching staff and students and to learn about the fields of study/ specialties available at the Schools and the professional prospects for graduates.

DYPA Governor, Spiros Protopsaltis, stated: "Today’s visit of the delegation of the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus was meaningful and constructive. We exchanged ideas and know-how to achieve our common goal, that is to enable both employees and unemployed people to acquire new skills and reskill. By exchanging best practices in the critical field of the vocational training DYPA and HRDA enhance the mutually beneficial initiatives and cooperation between the two bodies, placing special focus on the quality upgrade of the training and on innovative practices such as the Individual Skills Accounts (Individual Learning Accounts, ILAs) that both countries plan to implement. With the help of extroversion and partnerships we move forward to implement all the necessary reforms that will equip those entering the labour market with modern skills that are relevant to the forecasts for the future of work, while at the same time integrating the mindset of lifelong learning ".

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