*By Olga Konstantinou
Post-secondary Institutes of Vocational Education and Training, known as MIEEK, are undoubtedly a hub for developing specialized technical personnel. They are an institution of the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth that offers two-year accredited programs in more than 15 practical and applied fields.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“Today, the MIEEKs are the most dynamic pillar of public post-secondary education in Cyprus. They are recognized and accredited by the DIPAE Agency. Tuition is completely free. In addition, once enrolled in MIEEK, students have the option to apply for a student grant, just like all other Cypriot students, who, depending on their family’s income, will also receive the grant.”
Andreas Kleanthous, District Director of MIEEK Limassol
These programs are aimed at both recent high school and technical school graduates and older individuals who wish to expand their knowledge in the fields offered.
“Even college graduates who want to do what we call ‘reskilling’—that is, change career paths for various reasons. All they need is to speak Greek, since our programs are taught in Greek.”
Currently, there are a total of seven branches operating in Limassol, Nicosia, Larnaca, Paphos, Paralimni, and Avgorou. Classes are held in the afternoons and are taught at the provincial technical schools and at the Absolute Institute of Technical Education in Limassol.
The Public School of Higher Vocational Education and Training offers the following specializations: Electrical Installations and Automation, Computer and Communications Networks, and CNC Design and Technology. The following fields are also offered: Construction and Technical Works Foreman, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems, Building Mechanical Systems, Industrial Production Coordinator, Automotive Mechanics, and Culinary Arts. (English-speaking Paralimni)
“Also, the culinary arts, baking and pastry making, dairy and cheese making, sustainable agricultural management, organic and horticultural farming, supply chain management, maritime studies, and tour guide training.”
MIEEK programs are reevaluated and redesigned in accordance with the needs of the labor market.
“It’s also worth noting that another key to success at MIEEK is that the education isn’t just theoretical; but that about two-thirds of the programs consist of hands-on training in the schools’ state-of-the-art laboratories.”
An integral part of the program is also practical training in real-world work settings.
“At MIEEK, we invest in the talent of our people and equip them to become tomorrow’s sought-after professionals in the Cypriot economy. The data we have—the indisputable figures—show us that nearly 100% of our graduates are employed. This is extremely important.”
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The Students’ Experience
Andreas Logras and Andreas Meliniotis are making their childhood dreams come true by studying in the culinary arts program.
“It offers you so much, especially in terms of experience. Learning, growing. And to make the world take notice of your flavors. I chose MIEEK because it gives me so many great opportunities. Plus, MIEEK can even help you find a job. “So I can help you find a job, either where you’re working now or after you graduate.”
Andreas Meliniotis – Culinary Arts Student
“Of course, a fellow student and I had the chance to participate in a cooking competition. And we also participated in a two-week ERASMUS program in France, where we went and worked at Mavromatis—a Michelin-starred restaurant.”
Andreas Logras – Culinary Arts Student
For Stefanos Hatzathanasiou, design and CNC technology constitute his second field of study.
“I chose this program because I want to expand my knowledge and become the best I can be in my field. The school has helped me tremendously to grow, become stronger, and improve at what I do.”
Savvas Christodoulou has a passion for machine tools, so after completing his military service, he seized the opportunity to study at MIEEK.
“The fact that I do things I can look back on later and say, ‘I’m proud of this,’ and say, ‘You know, I do this. It’s something I love.’”
The creativity and interaction with people that the Culinary Arts field offers captivated Natalia Logra.
“I’m 20 years old, and the reason I decided to pursue this field is because of the creativity it offers. And the experiences it can provide. Our school also offers practical training at the end of the year, after the exam period. And then there are opportunities to enter the job market, where they can help us find jobs.”
The electrical, plumbing, and refrigeration programs are the most sought-after programs at MIEEK.
The fields of electrical engineering and mechanical building systems are two of the most stable and growing sectors in the global job market, and this is something the students who choose to study in these fields.
“Because I believe that electrical engineering has a very bright future in Cyprus. It’s a career with a future, basically. Here we learn a lot of things, both in theory and in practice. It’s a good thing to have an extra qualification in any field.”
Andreas Nikolaou – Electrical Engineering Student
Here, they emphasize that students have the opportunity to try things out, experiment, and make mistakes without any real professional cost.
“After my military service, I went to Greece to study Business Administration, but I realized that management wasn’t for me, so I came to Cyprus to look for something more practical. Someone recommended MIEEK to me, and I came without a second thought—and I’m extremely happy with my decision. This was one of the best choices I’ve ever made in my life. We’d recommend it to all young people who want to pursue something more practical and get their hands dirty.”
Konstantinos Kyritsis – Student in the Building Mechanical Systems Program
“It’s possible for an ordinary person who goes to school just to learn a few things to eventually end up running their own company—which is really important. Because, let’s say, I didn’t know what I wanted in life, and when I started this profession, I realized I liked it, so I came to learn even more, and with my degree, I’ll be able to go wherever I end up, it would give me the opportunities to reach higher levels.”
George Kairinos – Student in the Building Mechanical Systems Program
Classes at MIEEK begin in September, and those interested can find all the information and the application form at https://www.mieek.ac.cy/el/
