The Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) welcomes the approval by the Council of Ministers of the pilot operation of two Technical Gymnasiums from the school year 2025 – 2026. The decision was taken following a proposal by the Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Dr. Athena Michaelidou, and concerns Gymnasiums in the districts of Nicosia and Limassol.
This development satisfies a long-standing request of OEB and is an important step towards the upgrading of Technical and Vocational Education in Cyprus. This initiative is expected to make a substantial contribution to filling the gap in the labour market in terms of skilled human resources in technical professions. At the same time, it will offer young people more educational options, equipping them for a successful career path in high-demand sectors.
The long-standing mismatch between the real needs of businesses and the skills available to the domestic labour market has become increasingly noticeable in recent years, affecting the competitiveness and productivity of the Cypriot economy. The strengthening of Technical Education through the creation of Technical Gymnasiums is a step towards bridging this gap.
OEB calls on the state and the business world to embrace this initiative and actively contribute to the maintenance of the new Technical Gymnasiums and the further strengthening of the institution of Technical and Vocational Education. Through the cooperation of schools and businesses, students will be able to acquire the practical skills and experiences they need for smoother integration into the real needs of the market.
OEB remains at the disposal of the competent bodies for dialogue in order to formulate policies that will strengthen the local human resources and ensure a strong and sustainable future for the Cypriot economy.
