Counselling, training, & certification in ICT for unemployed young people in Greece

• November 23, 2022
• neelam

Behind the programme is SEPE, the Association of Information Technology & Communications Enterprises of Greece, also a member of the Greek National Coalition for Digital Skills and Jobs.

In June 2022, the Association launched an initiative to provide consulting support, theoretical and practical training and certification services to 1.600 unemployed between the ages of 25 to 29. To benefit from the programme, participants need to be registered as unemployed in the Public Employment Service (DYPA). They also have to be graduates in ICT-related subjects from Higher Education Institutions (AEI), Technological Educational Institutions (TEI), Institutes of Vocational Training (IEK), Vocational Lyceums (EPAL) and Vocational Schools (EPAS): from all the regions of the country.

Background and objectives

This concrete action aimed to provide the already specialised ICT workforce with additional knowledge, basic and specific professional skills in subjects related to the ICT sector, which have a significant growth potential for the Greek economy (according to international and national standards) – and therefore enhance employability. 

Another goal is to improve productivity and make human resources more efficient. The very design of the programme follows specific knowledge methodologies that are linked to the demands of the labour market, and especially when it comes to the dynamic sector of ICT. In this way, the aim is to provide councelling, certification and training to unemployed young people, thereby tackling the 3^rd pillar of the Digital Skills & Jobs Coalition. 

The idea of the project stresses on the importance of modernising the education and training systems, which currently do not prepare young people sufficiently for the digital economy and society and moving to a life-long learning approach so that people can adapt their ICT skills throughout their lifetime, and as needed. 

Each beneficiary can choose to be educated among the following fields of specialisations: Computer & Network Technician, Network Manager, Database Administrator, Database programmer, Software Applications Technician, Web and Application Design Specialist, IT Systems Security Technician, E-commerce systems specialist, IT Systems Analyst, IT Systems Administrator, and Open Software Developer.

Why is this a good practice?

There is much evidence to demonstrate the sustainability of the programme. Through the programme’s first axis, ‘vocational advisory activities’ takes care of helping beneficiaries make the most out of the skills they already have through innovative methods that support personal development and professional advancement. 

Vocational Advisory Activities: 2 phases 

Tailored and individualised councelling to support skills is done in 2 phases. In phase 1, the beneficiary’s knowledge and skills are assessed, helping to identify specific educational needs and shape training subject and level. In phase 2, the programme focuses on exploring the abilities, aptitudes, and interests of the participant, cultivating skills that will help manage their personal and professional lives more effectively. This includes: identifying obstacles and barriers related to access to the labour market and further education, analysing job search techniques and providing guidance, and helping participants create and improve their CV. 

Training activities

Under the second axis of the action, ‘training activities, participants are given an opportunity to acquire new knowledge, skills and competences that will enhance substantially their chances of being employed and speed up their adaptation to changes in business environments. 

Training activities are structured to contain 600 hours of continuing vocational training (200 hours of theory and 400 hours of practice) in specialised professional knowledge and skills. The training activity is implemented by accredited training providers and the internship is implemented in companies, in real-life situations working conditions. In particular, SEPE maintains a Register of Enterprises that cover the project’s internship needs. 

Certification 

Certification, or the last axis under the programme, ensures that the acquired skills and qualifications of participants are provided based on standardised procedures and carried out by accredited certification bodies in accordance with international and national standards. 

Results and links to other EU policies

The initiative builds upon the Skills Agenda for Europe and is also linked to the European Digital Strategy, the Recovery Plan for Europe, the increased support for youth employment, and the national strategy for digital skills and jobs – the Digital Transformation Bible. 

Educating and training more young people for digital professions leads to the creation of a large pool of talented young digital professionals, who are work ready and can take up the growing number of unfilled vacancies for ICT professionals in Europe.

Already 4 out of 10 beneficiaries from the last SEPE training programme found a job, mainly in the company where they did their internship.