Technical Vocational Schools It should be noted that all info related to the transition system is retrieved from the National Center for Vocational Orientation, available at http://www.ekep.gr/english/education/deuterobathmia.asp#tee (TEEs) (isced level 3)

Structure, duration and goal

The Technical Vocational Schools (TEEs) are attached to the Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs, although some are supervised by other Ministries and some by the Greek Manpower Employment Organisation (OAED). Pursuant to Act 2640/1998, their objective is to provide both general education and specialist technical and vocational skills to prepare pupils for the labour market.

Besides day schools there are also evening TEEs for workers aged up to 50 who wish to improve their job prospects. The applicants are accepted without examination but must possess either a Gymnasium leaving certificate or an equivalent certificate issued abroad.

Studies at the TEEs last up to three years and consist of two independent cycles covering specific fields and specializations. Cycle 1 lasts two years and Cycle 2 lasts one year, while in the evening TEEs an extra year is added to Cycle 1 and six months to Cycle 2.

Educational curricula

The curriculum includes basic lessons in general education and technological lessons (theoretical and laboratory) in specific fields and specializations. The following subjects are taught at both cycles:

• Mechanical engineering
• Electronics
• Electrician
• Applied Arts
• Textile and Clothing
• Construction
• Economics and Management
• Agricultural Production, Food and Environment
• Health and Welfare
• Chemistry Laboratory Applications
• Maritime and Shipping Occupations
• Information Science and Networks
• Aesthetics and Hairdressing

Cycle 1 certificate holders may:

• Obtain a licence to practice a profession depending on their specialization and the legislation in force;
• enrol for a corresponding specialisation in Cycle 2.

• obtain a licence to practice a profession depending on their specialization and the legislation in force
• enrol in a post-secondary Vocational Training Institute (IEK) as from the second year of studies in the same specialization, or in the first year in any other specialization.
• apply for admission to a Technological Educational Institute (TEI) in a corresponding or related department, by sitting the national examinations in two general education subjects and one specialised subject.

On completion of Cycle 1, examinations are organised within the school in all the subjects taught. The successful pupils receive a Level 2 Vocational Training Certificate and are deemed competent to exercise independent specializations, in particular those of a manual nature.

On completion of Cycle 2 examinations are organised within the school in all the subjects taught and the successful pupils obtain a Level 3 Vocational Training Certificate; they are then deemed capable of performing technical tasks, either independently or with coordinating responsibilities. After the completion of Cycle 2, pupils who wish the continuation of their studies to TEIs take a common national examination in two general knowledge subjects (Mathematics and Modern Greek) and one specialized subject.

Additional teaching support
Unified Lyceum and TEE pupils with learning difficulties are entitled to free remedial teaching (additional teaching support) within the schools, both in respect of general education and specialised subjects. Besides there are special education TEEs for pupils with special education needs.

Horizontal movement between the Unified Lyceum and the TEEs
The Unified Lyceum is horizontally linked to the TEEs, and so it is possible for pupils to transfer from one to the other if they so wish. Hence a TEE Cycle 1 graduate may transfer to Class 2 of the Unified Lyceum while an Unified Lyceum pupil may transfer to Class 1 of TEE Cycle 1 and Class 2 of TEE Cycle 1 only for specific fields.