In the framework of its strategy to support, among others, initiatives aimed at upgrading Vocational Education and Training, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation supported for the second consecutive year the successful programme “Empowering Vocational Education students” in the framework of its strategic partnership with The Tipping Point NPO. During the school year 2022-2023, the Programme was extended to more Vocational High Schools (EPAL) across Greece, offering students the opportunity to discuss via videoconference with successful professionals-mentors from their fields of interest, who shared useful career advice on the opportunities and alternatives offered by technical professions. The aim of the Programme is to prepare students to successfully enter the modern job market, by strengthening their technical training, as well as their emotional empowerment. In that framework, students had the chance to develop in an experiential way, important soft skills such as critical thinking, self-awareness, problem solving and goal-setting, and to gain greater confidence in their abilities and future career goals.

• In the school year 2022-2023, 121 live group sessions were held, involving 2,103 Vocational High School students and 25 teachers.
• 77 mentors from 25 different fields talked with the students via videoconference and answered 210 questions.
• Students from 15 Vocational High Schools in both urban and remote areas of Greece, including Ikaria, Samos, Lefkada and Kalymnos were informed about disciplines and professions such as Computer Science, Nutrition, Psychology and Maritime Professions.

“I believe that this initiative is of great importance for the future of our students. Firstly, it connects High School education with work, i.e. the fields in which the students want to work when they finish school. Secondly, it provides them with the opportunity to meet in real life and get advice from experts, as well as to see their workplace and its difficulties, or to take an interest in something they didn’t know in the first place. The various professionals who participate in the Programme provide us with a valuable source of motivation and inspiration for the workplace, i.e. orientation and ideas for the students’ future. Lastly, the mentors guide the students and facilitate discussions with various professionals.”

Vassiliki Papadimitriou

Teacher, 2nd Vocational High School of Agrinio

“This initiative helped me broaden my professional horizons. The information provided by the mentors helped me overcome any dilemmas regarding the field I want to pursue. Through the Programme, I was able to understand the differences between the professions I am interested in and decide on my career path.”

Student-Participant

2nd Vocational High School of Agrinio