2026

Revision of the provisions of the HRDA's Plans

 
The Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus (HRDA) informs about changes in the provisions of the following Schemes, effective from April 6, 2026:

1. Single Business Training Programs in Cyprus
2. Single Business Training Programs in Cyprus (State Aid)
3. Single-company Training Programs Abroad
4. Multi-company Training Programs – Usual
5. Multi-Business Training Programs – Vital
6. Continuing Training Programs for Trade Union Executives

The changes come into force for training programs that apply from April 6, 2026 and concern the following:
(a) Inclusion of self-employed persons: Any natural person who is registered in the Social Insurance Register as a self-employed person and operates in areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus can participate in the Schemes.
(b) Differentiation of training duration restrictions on specific topics. Specifically:
Removal of restrictions on programs with topics related to Information Technology.
Revision of Language Restrictions 
(c) Differentiation of minimum acceptable criteria for the approval of trainers for trainer training programs: Differentiation in the minimum acceptable criteria for the approval of trainers of training programs which aim to prepare candidates for inclusion in the assessment and certification through pathway 1 for the Standard of Professional Qualifications (SPQ) "Lifelong Learning Trainer – Level 5 CyQF/EQF" (hereinafter "EBM5") within the framework of the System Vocational Qualifications (SEP).
(d) Clean Criminal Record Certificate for Trainers: Trainers approved in the context of HRDA activities should have a clean criminal record, for which the HRDA reserves the right to request a relevant certificate at any time.

2025

There have been no reforms.

2024

The objectives of the Year of Youth 2024

The Council of Ministers, at its meeting in February 2024, decided regarding the achievement of the objectives of the year of youth 2024. The announcement of 2024 as the national year of youth aims to give visibility to youth issues, encourage the promotion of youth policies, enhance the participation of young people and their organizations in society and empower youth in general.
In the framework of the year of youth for Cyprus, new initiatives will be developed, and existing ones will be highlighted that support young people, their personal, social, economic, and professional development in a green, digital, and inclusive world. The activities will be in line with the objectives of the European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027, as well as the priorities of the Governance Program. Its design and implementation will be based on the principles of democracy, inclusiveness, and active participation.
The main objectives of the year of youth, as decided in the council of ministers, are: 

• The promotion of democratic participation and active participation of young people and their organizations in decision-making processes.
• The improvement of policies that affect young people.
• The enhancement of young people's skills to facilitate their integration into society and the labor market.
• The creation of entrepreneurial initiative opportunities for young people.
• The promotion of the inclusion and equal opportunities
• The strengthening of the mental health of young people, which is very high on the priorities of the European Union.