The 2026-27 school and academic year for the DYPA’s vocational education and training programmes begins with rising demand, new specialities and an expanded network of schools.
According to the relevant announcement, the network comprises 87 schools across the country: 50 EPAS Apprenticeship Schools, seven PEPAS Tourism Apprenticeship Schools and 30 SAEK Higher Vocational Training Schools. A total of 13,708 pupils and students are currently enrolled, while the EPAS network has six branches in all.
Student numbers are expected to rise, as enrolment under the third supplementary call for EPAS and their new branches takes place on 7 and 8 October, while enrolment at PEPAS continues until 18 October.
Applications to SAEK rise 29.1%
Applications to SAEK through gov.gr rose by 29.1%, from 4,110 last year to 5,304 this year. Including the 3,632 successful candidates through the Parallel Computerised Application Form, the total number of applicants reached 8,936 for 4,620 available places — almost two applicants per place.
Applications through gov.gr increased at 25 of the 30 SAEK. Classes began on 5 October for 3,479 first-semester students across 152 groups.
At the EPAS Apprenticeship Schools, first-year enrolments reached 4,874, equivalent to 99% of last year’s total, before the process had been completed. The proportion of applicants who enrolled also rose to 72.1%, from 70.9% the previous year.
At the PEPAS Tourism Apprenticeship Schools, 61 students are enrolled in the second year, with the retention rate at 64% — its highest level in five years. A total of 136 applications have been submitted for the first year, and enrolment is continuing.
New specialities and a shift towards technical trades
Six new specialities have been added at the EPAS, taking the total from 35 to 41. Ten new specialities are on offer at the SAEK this year, while the total number of specialities running has risen from 41 to 46.
The shift towards technical trades is reflected in enrolment figures. The number of students in the Construction Equipment Operator speciality rose from 11 to 84; in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Technician, from 314 to 361; and in Supply Chain Management Officer, from 19 to 47.
Partnerships with businesses are also linking apprenticeships to specific production needs. Full classes have been formed with Auto Hellas for the Automotive Body Repair Technician speciality in Renti and with EAB for the Aircraft Mechanical Assembly Technician speciality in Chalkida, with 26 students in each class.
In Aigaleo, the Construction Equipment Operator speciality, offered in partnership with AVAX, already has 21 students. New specialities are also running in partnership with STASY and OSE in Renti, and with ELVAL in Chalkida, while cooperation with Pharmathen and ONEX continues. The businesses provide apprenticeship places for students.
Four new EPAS branches are operating this year in partnership with businesses and organisations: in Stratoni with Hellas Gold, in Karpenisi with the Region of Central Greece, in Kryoneri with DEMO and in Sindos with EOPAE.
Enrolments rise in regional areas
First-year enrolments at the EPAS have risen significantly in several areas. In Komotini, enrolments increased from 78 to 152; in Florina, from 34 to 92; in Pyrgos, from 56 to 91; and in Tripoli, from 30 to 65.
At the SAEK, applications through gov.gr rose in Patras from 155 to 329 and in Kifissia from 264 to 405.
European experiences through Erasmus+
Many DYPA schools take part in the European Erasmus+ programme, which supports education and training through cooperation and mobility in other European countries.
Through these initiatives, pupils and students have the opportunity to travel abroad, gain new knowledge and professional skills, learn about different educational and workplace practices, and engage with other cultures. In this way, DYPA’s vocational education gains a European dimension, offering young people experiences and skills for their future careers.
Strong response in regional areas
First-year enrolments at the EPAS have risen significantly in Komotini, from 78 to 152; in Florina, from 34 to 92; in Pyrgos, from 56 to 91; and in Tripoli, from 30 to 65.
At the SAEK, applications through gov.gr rose in Patras from 155 to 329 and in Kifissia from 264 to 405.
Teaching and administrative staff
The DYPA’s EPAS, PEPAS and SAEK employ a total of 1,432 people: 1,282 teachers and 150 administrative staff.
To meet teaching needs, the 13th Supplementary Call for applications to the Teachers’ Register was issued, covering 481 positions in 34 areas. In addition, 53 new fixed-term positions have been allocated through a programme employing unemployed people aged 55 and over to strengthen administrative support at the schools.
This year’s figures show that more and more young people are choosing specialities that lead to specific career opportunities. With a wider choice of programmes, new branches and apprenticeship places at businesses, DYPA is bringing vocational education closer to the labour market’s real needs.