In line with the provisions of Law 3879/2010 as in force, formal and non-formal education bodies are the main providers of General Adult Education.
Within the framework of the formal education system, adult education is offered through Second Chance Schools (SDE).
As regards non-formal education, it is provided by:
- Public Vocational Training Institutes (IEK)
- Lifelong Learning Centres (KDVM) I and II
- Higher Education Institutions’ programmes.
Teachers and Trainers Working in Adult Education and Training
According to Law 4186/2013, the educational staff of public Vocational Training Schools, Vocational Training Institutes, Second Chance Schools and Lifelong Learning Centres may belong to one of the following categories:
- Primary and Secondary Education teachers who get transferred to the public sectors above
- Primary and Secondary Education teachers including permanent, seconded or teachers assigned to the task of extra hours of teaching. Supply or hourly paid teachers are included
- Adult trainers accredited and registered in the adult education teacher training registry with a fixed-term employment contract or work contract
- Members of Special Teaching Staff and Special Teaching Assistant Staff.
Moreover, in compliance with Law 4957/2022, Higher Education Institute (HEI) professors can also teach at public Vocational Training Institutes (IEK) and Lifelong Learning Centres (KDVM).
Recruitment
Adult trainers cover the educational needs of public lifelong learning bodies that cannot be met through the procedure of definite or temporary transfers and secondment of formal education staff.
The selection criteria for trainers of Vocational Training Institutes, Second Chance Schools and Life long Learning Centres are specified by a Decision issued by the Minister of Education and Religious Affairs.
The Youth and Lifelong Learning Foundation announces the trainer positions of public Vocational Training Institutes (IEK), Second Chance Schools (SDE) and Lifelong Learning Centres (KDVM).
Eligible to apply are all individuals as well as public sector employees. They must have the essential qualifications for becoming an adult trainer.
For the trainers’ selection and in relation to the respective thematic unit, the following criteria apply:
- Qualifications Standards
- Work experience
- Teaching experience
- Specialisation in the cognitive field they wish to teach
- Link of postgraduate degree with the subject taught
- Social criteria, such as unemployment, large family, etc.
Certified teaching qualifications are a prerequisite in order for the trainer to take part in a state-funded non-formal education programme
The National Organisation for the Certification of Qualifications & Vocational Guidance (EOPPEP) issues the certification. This leads to inclusion in the Adult Trainers Registry.
As of 1.9.2020, however, certified teaching qualifications are a pre-requisite for teacher trainers wishing to participate in a public resources programme of non-formal education. In addition, according to Law Ν. 4763/2020, in the programs financed by national or European union resources which are provided to Lifelong Learning Centres (KDVM), only adult educators registered in the Register of Certified Adult Educators of the National Organisation for the Certification of Qualifications & Vocational Guidance (EOPPEP) are employed, with a certification of educational competence in a subject related to what they are called to teach. Educational services in KDVM, by educators who do not have the certification of educational competence, are allowed in cases where it is not possible to find certified educators, after the approval of EOPPEP.
Promotion and Salaries
In adult education structures, primary and secondary education teachers or permanent teachers may participate in administration. A seconded permanent teacher may become head or subhead.
Joint Ministerial Decision 2/106902/022/2013 establishes the wages of the staff who teach in adult education programmes of public sector bodies. In particular, the hourly wage of adult trainers is as follows:
- Members of Teaching and Research Staff (DEP): depending on the level 23 to 27€
- Higher Education graduates who hold a PhD degree: 20€
- Higher Education graduates who hold a Master’s degree: 18€
- Higher Education graduates: 15€
- Non-degree holders: 12€
- Craftsmen: 13 to 16€. The pay grade is according to the nature and specificity of the course (degree of difficulty), specialisation and years of experience in the subjects taught.
Adult trainers are employed under a fixed-term employment contract or a work contract. Co-funded Partnership Agreement for the Development Framework (PA) programmes can also cover their wages.
Mobility
Mobility issues of adult trainers of public adult education are available in Chapter 13.3.