In Syros and Elefsina, the graduation ceremonies of the students of the DYPA Apprenticeship Vocational Schools, which operate in collaboration with ONEX, took place, marking the completion of an important educational journey for young people who chose specialties directly linked to the needs of the shipbuilding industry and ship repair.
According to the relevant announcement, on Wednesday, June 24, the graduation ceremony of the first students of the specialty "Shipbuilding Industry Technician" was held in the event hall of the Onex Neorion Shipyards in Syros, who successfully completed their studies, opening a new chapter in their professional careers.
The ceremony was attended by the Governor of the Public Employment Service (DYPA), Gianna Chormova, the Deputy Governor of DYPA, Stefanos Polymenopoulos, and the General Director of Onex Shipyards & Technologies, Giannis Vamvakousis, who congratulated the graduates on the successful completion of their studies and wished them a good professional career.
Then, on Friday, June 26, at the ONEX facilities in Elefsina, the graduation ceremony of the students of the DYPA Apprenticeship Vocational School of Elefsina took place, for the specialties "Shipbuilding Industry Technician" and "Electrical Works and Elevator Technician".
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor of DYPA, Stefanos Polymenopoulos, and the Vice President of the Board of Directors of ONEX Shipyards & Technologies, Ioannis Stamatopoulos, who referred to the importance of technical education and apprenticeship in meeting the needs of the labor market, while also expressing their wishes for a successful professional career for the graduates.
The specialty "Shipbuilding Industry Technician" started operating in Syros in September 2024, as a branch of the DYPA Apprenticeship Vocational School of Elefsina, within the framework of the cooperation between DYPA and ONEX.
From September 2025, the Syros branch expanded its operation with the addition of the specialty "CNC Machine Tool Technician", further strengthening the possibilities for vocational education and training in fields directly related to the needs of industrial production and ship repair.
The development of specialties in Syros and Elefsina responds to the modern needs of the shipbuilding industry for specialized human resources and highlights the importance of close cooperation between vocational education and production. At the same time, it creates new opportunities for education and employment for young people, contributing to the strengthening of ship repair activities and the "blue economy".
The Governor of DYPA, Gianna Chormova, stated:
"The graduation of the first students of the specialty 'Shipbuilding Industry Technician' as well as the graduates of the specialty 'Electrical Works and Elevator Technician' in Syros and Elefsina, is a particularly important milestone for DYPA and tangible proof of the value of the partnerships we develop with businesses and productive bodies throughout the country.
Our goal is for our schools to offer young people knowledge, skills, and substantial work experience that meet the real needs of the economy. Today we see the first graduates of a specialty created to meet the growing needs of the shipbuilding industry and to create new professional prospects for young people in their region, as well as new graduates in a specialty with consistently high demand in the labor market, such as that of Electrical Works and Elevator Technician.
We continue methodically to invest in modern specialties of high demand, strengthening the connection between vocational education and employment and creating stable pathways from learning to work".
The President and CEO of Onex Shipyards & Technologies, Panos Xenokostas, stated:
"We started this journey with a clear goal: to offer the new generation the tools to choose their future, combining quality education with real work experience.
The graduation ceremonies of students in critical specialties confirm the dynamic of the new era for the country's industrial development. The successful public-private partnership proves that when we put people at the center, we can substantially contribute to the reconstruction of the national economy.
In this context, I would like to warmly thank the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Niki Kerameos, for her unwavering support and our shared commitment to strengthening youth employment.
At the same time, I express my thanks to DYPA for the excellent cooperation and steadfast commitment to our common goal of shaping a new generation of highly skilled technicians. At ONEX Group, every new job is an investment in the preservation and development of Greek shipbuilding know-how.
The driving force of our shipyards is our human resources; this is where we invest daily, actively supporting young people and the future of the sector. On behalf of the ONEX family, I warmly congratulate all the graduates and wish them a good and creative career".