The 2nd cycle of SEV's "Skills4Jobs for Export Experts" programme has been succesfully completed.

On May 20th, the award ceremony for the completion certificates of the 2nd cycle of the "Skills4Jobs for Export Experts" programme took place. Through this initiative, SEV (Hellenic Federation of Enterprises) actively supports the outward orientation of modern Greek businesses and the employment of young people in these enterprises. Exports are a strategic priority for businesses and create a demand for specialized executives. However, there are no comprehensive, fast-track training programmes with practical applied learning that cover the entire spectrum of export activities.This gap is similar to the lack of training in many technical specialties crucial for the productive operation of businesses. SEV addresses this gap with the "Skills4Jobs" initiative, supporting the strategic aim of strengthening industry and enhancing the international competitiveness of Greek businesses. The "Skills4Jobs" programmes start by identifying the needs of businesses for specific job positions, based on which specialized training programmes are developed.

Through this initiative, SEV has already prepared 140 trained experts in various specialties for employment, while plans to continue implementing similar programmes in different regions and other specialties.

The "Skills4Jobs for Export Experts - 2nd Cycle" programme included young men and women from all over Greece who had recently graduated from Higher Education and had no prior experience in exports. They attended an intensive training programme mainly conducted by the Hellenic American Union and DK Consultants Group, which included the development of modern technical and soft skills sought by businesses, best practices presented by experienced executives from major export companies - SEV members, a career counseling workshop focused on exports, and visits to the production facilities of businesses. Participants were also tasked with creating their own Strategic Export Plan, giving them the opportunity to apply the knowledge they acquired during the Programme in practice. The next step for the Programme graduates is to meet with businesses to fill available job positions.

Ms. Dora Oikonomou, Director of SEV's Human Resource Development Department, stated while addressing at the event:

"Enhancing the export activities of businesses requires executives with modern knowledge and skills who can leverage growth opportunities in international markets. To meet the demand for these job positions, we created the 'Skills4Jobs for Export Experts' programme. Additionally, strengthening export activities creates more high-quality, skilled, and well-paid job opportunities. I wish all the programme graduates a brilliant career and hope our member-enterprises will make the most of the specialized knowledge of these young professionals."

Ms. Vicky Branika, Chief Executive Officer of the Hellenic American Union, commented:

"In collaboration with SEV, we designed the training programme for 'Skills4Jobs for Export Experts,' aiming to enhance the skills and performance of participants by providing them with knowledge and tools, making them ready to be key players in the international export arena."

Ms. Eva Lianou, General Manager of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, stated:

"Supporting innovative programmes that develop technical and soft skills aligns with our Foundation's strategic objectives. We are particularly happy to support SEV's 'Skills4Jobs for Export Experts – 2nd Cycle,' aiming to effectively address the skills mismatch in the Greek labor market. The 'Skills4Jobs' initiative is undoubtedly a good practice of lifelong learning and successful collaboration between the private and third sector, aimed at empowering, developing, and advancing the human resources of our country."

Mr. Giannis Papazoglou, Head of Corporate Affairs at MYTILINEOS – Energy & Metals, added:

"At MYTILINEOS, we support SEV's 'Skills4Jobs for Export Experts' initiative to enhance the outward orientation and competitiveness of businesses. The initiative includes skills development, counseling, drafting of an Export Strategy Plan, and employment opportunities. Strengthening human resources with skills and training -like SEV's programme does- will significantly contribute to entrepreneurship and further development. Congratulations to those who completed the programme, and we wish them success in their future endeavors!"

Mr. Socrates Papadopoulos, Export Manager of ELVIAL (Hellenic Aluminum Industry), stated:

"This initiative aligns with SEV's key priorities for developing human resources with specialized knowledge and skills, preparing new executives to enter the demanding and challenging world of international markets. ELVIAL, always focused on the future and placing people at the center, supports the vision of the programme, aiding in the preparation of new executives who will lead to the success and sustainable development of our country's exports."

 The initiative is supported by the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, with MYTILINEOS – Energy & Metals as the main sponsor, and Coca-Cola 3E HBC., DEMO S.A., and ELVIAL (Hellenic Aluminum Industry) as sponsors.