UNICEF and D.YP.A. event in Thessaloniki on the importance of skills for young people's access to the labor market

THESSALONIKI, December 22, 2025 – The importance of empowering young people with 21st century skills and opportunities for the jobs of the future was highlighted at an event held in Thessaloniki on Wednesday, December 17, as part of the U-Talent Programme implemented by UNICEF Greece in collaboration with the Public Employment Service (D.YP.A.).
The event was attended by business representatives, career counselors, trainers, students and graduates of the Vocational Apprenticeship Schools, who shared experiences, best practices and advice on how to better prepare and empower young people for the demands of the modern labor market. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of soft, digital and green skills that will determine employability in the future, as well as on the role of vocational education and training.
In her opening remarks, Aspasia Plakantonaki, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Greece, emphasized UNICEF's commitment to supporting young people in their transition from education to employment through innovative programs such as U-Talent, which strengthen their skills, self-confidence and active participation.
Next, Irene Psifidou, Senior Expert in European Education and Training Policies at Cedefop, presented the preliminary findings of the recent European Vocational Teacher Survey on Vocational Education and Training (VET) , as well as the overall picture of VET at the European level. During the ensuing discussion on "Empowering Young People for the Jobs of Tomorrow," the panel participants highlighted the current challenges and opportunities facing young people. Alexandra Boza, Head of Talent Acquisition at Lidl Hellas, spoke about the skills that are considered most critical for young employees today and gave valuable advice to young people starting their professional careers in the sector. 
Angeliki Filippidou, Director of the 2nd EPAS (Vocational Apprenticeship School) in Thessaloniki, emphasized the value of apprenticeships and experiential activities for cultivating soft skills, while also pointing out the challenges faced by students. In addition, Kostas Simitopoulos, Career Guidance Advisor at Junior Achievement Greece, highlighted the value of mentoring and boosting young people's self-confidence so that they can connect their interests with employment opportunities.
Yiannis Tyrovouzis, a successful graduate of the 1st EPAS Apprenticeship Programme in Thessaloniki, conveyed the perspective and voice of young people themselves, saying: "Apprenticeships are a bridge between theory and practice and give young people real employment opportunities."
In the second part of the event, the U-Talent Programme and the digital soft skills learning tool were presented by UNICEF's Education Officer, Giorgos Simopoulos, highlighting how technology can act as a bridge between young people and employment and training opportunities. 
On December 18 and 19, workshops were also held for approximately 150 students of the D.YP.A. Apprenticeship Programme in Thessaloniki, with an emphasis on 21st-century skills and green skills.