Greece increases public sector apprenticeship positions for EPAL graduates

Greece's Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance have announced an 11.2% increase in public sector apprenticeship positions for EPAL (Vocational Lyceum) graduates for the 2026-2027 school year. The number of available positions will rise from 3,917 to 4,356, with the network of participating public entities expanding from 287 to 303. These positions cover 19 out of 25 available specialties.

Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki stated that the goal is to provide youth with meaningful professional prospects, emphasizing that vocational education is an equal path to knowledge and autonomy. To support this, a new regulation for the Post-Secondary Year – Apprenticeship Class will be established to simplify procedures, increase transparency, and reduce bureaucracy through systems like TAXISnet.

Additionally, the Ministry of Education has released the schedule for the 2026 Panhellenic re-examination period. General Lyceum (GEL) students will begin on September 8, while EPAL candidates will start on September 22. For the 2026-2027 school year, new dismissal times have also been set for primary school students participating in the upgraded all-day program, with options at 14:55, 15:50, and 17:30.