Local Networking Events in Greece

DIEK
Thermis Public Vocational Thematic Training Institute hosted the local
networking event for North Greece in Thermi, Thessaloniki on Monday 28^st
March 2022 as part of the Erasmus+ Eduwork.Net project. With the help of the
SSPAE (ASSOCIATION BOARD FOR CONNECTION PRODUCTION AND LABOUR MARKET) of Central
Macedonia (East & West sector), manage to host over 20 representatives from
the local the Employers, Chambers of Commerce, VET Schools and Institutions
Directors as well as representatives from a range of industries such as construction,
healthcare, hospitality, local councils, Trade Unions and Associations as well
as representatives from the Department of employment offices attending the
event.

In line
with COVID19 restrictions the event was limited to 20 people with a full
agenda. The group was welcomed by Mr. Antonis Katavelos the President of SSPAE
of Central Macedonia (East sector), Director of DIEK Thermis and Vice President
of PANEDDIEK and Mr. Dimitris Kiriakos, Director of DIEK Aigaleo, Special
Secretary of PANEDDIEK and member of the board of SSPAE of West Attica, Piraeus
& Islands. The agenda included:

• Presentation
  of Eduwork.Net project activities, analysis of WBL situation in Greece and
  project partner countries, information on the survey of VET graduates on
  experience in internships and WBL, survey findings, information on the virtual
  networking space, its benefits for online users, international activities and
  mobility possibilities.
• Labor
  Market Needs Diagnosis and the connection with WBL and apprenticeship the
  current situation in Macedonia, Greece
• Establishment
  of the Office for Professional Development and Career (G.E.A.S.) at the Public
  Vocational Training Institutes
• Vocational
  Training Schools and connection with companies with WBL
• Presentation
  of the results of the ERASMUS + project: # Mentor4WBL @ EU

“Training & Certification of in-company Learning Mentors based on work”
by Mr Vsilis Siomadis from IME GSEVEE.

• Networking
  and cooperation between VET providers and companies: common goals and mutual
  benefits – discussion with participants
• Summary
  of the discussion, possible follow –up activities

Initially the
Eduwork.net program manager from PANEDDIEK Mr Kiriakos, provide a brief
overview of the project, outlining the project objectives which including
organising the networking event and the production of an Employer’s Information
Pack which was distributed to all attendees. The presentation included the
introduction to the Eduwork.net website and explanation of the purpose of the
vetmobility.eu virtual networking space, in order to encourage networking and creation
of connections between VET providers and employers in Greece and abroad, using
the Erasmus+ / Pro program. That was an opportunity to promote the Project
Support Office of Greece and how it could benefit VET providers and employers
who were interested in VET Internationalisation through VET Mobility.

In the
meeting was outlining the range of training options available for the Shools (EPAS,
EPAL)  &  Institutions (DIEK) and training centers
including Work Based Learning and apprenticeships as well as the  Skills that are required from the local
industry in order to give greater access to Work for the students.

In the
meeting was discussion from all the representatives about how small to medium enterprises
can be supported through the program of WBL and apprenticeship in order to develop
new skilled workers and to adapt to the changes in technology, markets and work
practices.

In the
discussion were outlined the opportunities that arise for the industry from the
collaboration between the Vocational Education Training Schools and
Institutions and the companies in order to have successful work based learning
program, or dual system or apprenticeships.

The Eduwork.net
program manager Mr Kiriakos, provide a brief overview of the project outlining
the project objectives which including organising the networking event and the
production of an Employer’s Information Pack which was distributed to all
attendees.

An introduction
to the Eduwork.net website and explanation of the purpose of the vetmobility.eu
virtual networking space was given, in order to encourage networking and making
connections between VET providers and employers both at home and abroad, using
the Erasmus+ / Pro program. That was an opportunity to promote the Project
Support Office of Greece and how it could benefit VET providers and employers
who were interested in VET Internationalisation through VET Mobility.

The meeting
had a dinner that allowed for networking opportunities and a chance to discuss future
collaborations between industry and VET Schools and Institutions. The response
from all attendees was very positive with several people making connections for
future discussions.