Betty Smyrniou, Senior Counsel at Bahas, Gramatidis & Partners Law Firm, moderated a panel discussion on the role of skills, vocational education and training in shaping Greece’s new productive model at Olympia Forum VII.

Held at the International Olympic Academy in Ancient Olympia from 29 September to 1 October, Olympia Forum VII brought together representatives from the public sector, business and wider society to discuss key issues shaping Greece’s economic and productive future.

The discussion, titled “Skills, Employment and Productive Transition”, focused on the evolving relationship between education, vocational training and the needs of the labour market.

Betty Smyrniou moderated the discussion with Olga Kafetzopoulou, Secretary General for Vocational Education, Training and Lifelong Learning, and Dionysis Temponeras, Head of the Labour Sector of the Greek Left Alliance (EL.A.S.).

The panel explored, among other issues, the ongoing transformation of vocational education and training in Greece, the development of new training programmes in cooperation with social partners and businesses, the role of apprenticeships, and the growing importance of digital, green and entrepreneurial skills.

The discussion also highlighted the need to strengthen the connection between education, employment and Greece’s broader productive transition, ensuring that skills development responds both to the evolving needs of the economy and to the prospects of the workforce.

Betty’s participation reflects BGP’s commitment to engaging with the issues shaping Greece’s business and regulatory environment, and to contributing to discussions around the changing needs of the economy and the future of work.

Watch highlights from the discussion below.