Search results

This report is one in a series published by the European Training Foundation (ETF) on the current vocational education and training (VET) systems in countries of the MEDA (Southern Mediterranean) region. The report provides an overview of the national vocational training system in Cyprus along with coverage of the key challenges facing the country in the development of vocational training systems. The chapters are: Executive summary; The changing context for vocational education and training in Cyprus; Analysis of the vocational education and training system; Summary of the main findings and conclusions; Recommendations for restructuring the vocational education and training system. The key conclusion is that, although the present VET arrangements have functioned well in the traditional Cypriot market economy, as a candidate for inclusion in the European Union (EU), Cyprus may be on the verge of a new phase of development into a regional business centre. This will require important changes in its education and employment systems to 'harmonise' existing policies and practices with those of the EU. Main areas needing improvement are the overall attractiveness of the VET system and reform of the qualifications structure. It is recommended that, although there are few systemic reform needs, more strategic policy making may be required. Priority could be given to the following: the development of a national system of qualification standards; modernisation and reform of vocational teacher training; and improvement of the innovative capacities of the VET system.