������Ƶ

I have been the principal of the for the last 15 years and during that time, I have witnessed the growth and evolution of our institution. Schools play a crucial role in shaping the futures of young people, equipping them with the skills needed to enter a fast-changing labour market. In today’s educational landscape, schools must foster inclusion, tackle school dropout rates, adapt to a rapidly evolving international job market, update equipment and upskill teachers with digital tools.

Fostering inclusion, tackling dropout rates

In our school, inclusion is a key priority. Our student body is diverse, with learners aged between 15 and 29 who come from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Ensuring that all our students feel supported and integrated into the school community is essential. Inclusion, however, comes with its own set of challenges. Some students may struggle academically or feel disconnected from the traditional learning environment which leads to a higher risk of dropout.

To combat this, emphasis has been placed on providing a creative, encouraging, welcoming atmosphere where students feel a sense of belonging. Personal contact is vital, where teachers strive to maintain close relationships with students, offering counselling and support when necessary. The holistic approach to education at our school aims not just to produce skilled workers but also to shape well-rounded individuals. When students perceive the school as their community, they have a reason to stay engaged. A critical aspect of this strategy is our apprenticeship programme that connects students with the labour market, and offers them pathways to real-world success thereby motivating them to stay in school.

A difficult challenge in Greece, which I must pay lip-service to, is the emigration of highly-qualified workers to other (mainly European) countries that contrasts with the influx of refugees and economic migrants, who need to be integrated into the Greek educational and employment systems.

Adapting to the job market

Another big challenges we face as a vocational school is keeping pace with the rapidly changing job market. Companies expect our graduates to be fully prepared with the specific skills needed for their jobs, but the demands of industry are constantly evolving, particularly with the increasing emphasis on digital skills and new technologies.

To meet this challenge, hard work has gone into upgrading our school’s technological infrastructure. One example is our graphic design course which has a state-of-the-art lab equipped with 12 new computers and advanced design software. Furthermore, through our collaboration with two technology companies, we have implemented the ‘smart & green classroom’ initiative, making our school one of the first in the country to pilot cloud-based Wi-Fi networking systems. These initiatives have not only enhanced the learning experience but have also allowed us to stay at the cutting edge of technological advances in education.

The role of teachers in a digital world

A major ongoing challenge is upskilling our teachers. Our teaching staff, having decades of experience in their respective fields, need continuous learning on account of rapid technological advances. Digital literacy is essential for both students and educators alike, meaning that teachers undergo ongoing professional development to stay current with new teaching methods and the effective use of digital tools.

One of our initiatives to address this challenge is bringing companies into the school environment or sending our teachers to visit companies. This hands-on exposure allows educators to see firsthand the new technologies being used in the industry and incorporate them into their teaching.

Training competent graduates

At the Apprenticeship Vocational School in Thessaloniki, our goal has always been to cultivate competent, productive and passionate graduates who are well-prepared for the job market. Our success lies in offering students high-quality education and training in a supportive, inclusive environment; our reward is that students feel fulfilled and proud of their school. Our dual-apprenticeship system offers learners valuable real-world experience, resulting in many of our graduates being employed by their training companies.

Ultimately, a truly competent learner has more than just knowledge and technical skills. The characteristics that form the Greek word PATHOS complement the young person’s professional and individual personality; they are: Professionalism, Ability, Trust, Happiness, Orientation, Success. By nurturing these traits, we ensure that our students are not only skilled workers but also citizens of the future, ready to make meaningful contributions to society.