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The issue of social and more specifically educational inequalities in Greek society and education seems to concern the Greek society less and less nowadays. Scientific research and the contemporary sociological theory have focused on specific areas of interest of the phenomenon, neglecting the issue in its macro sociological dimension, without, of course, this meaning that the frames and fields of analysis that have emerged are of minor importance. The main question that concerns this research is, if social and educational inequalities are recognized today by the Greek social body and on which fields they focus. Do social and educational inequalities exist in Greece? Are they recognizable and how are they manifested? [The authors'] research was carried out with two research tools: a questionnaire which includes two attitude scales (social and educational inequalities) (N=800) and another one which contains a single question, which concerns the expression of opinion about whether the sample considers that there are inequalities in the Greek education system, and the justification of its views (N=800). The questionnaires were answered by female and male students of Greek universities and technological educational institutes. [The authors] chose the university student status in the sample, in order to record attitudes and opinions of young people who are considered 'favored' by the education system.

The analysis showed that the sample considers that, indeed, there are inequalities in Greek society as well as in Greek education and it is able to recognize a significant range of indications of the phenomenon. It seems that the experienced inequality prevailed against the 'favorable' treatment which the system 'reserved' in this specific sample.

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In the modern, knowledge-driven economy, it has been argued that people must upgrade their skills in order to remain competitive and to prepare for frequent changes in jobs. Adult learning is seen extremely crucial for long-term employability. Availability of adequately trained human resources in any institution is most critical to its success; and education and training play a significant role in this connection. This paper seeks the best practices for training of personnel. Initially, a detailed review of the international experience in this matter is presented and then the authors introduce a framework of a comprehensive program of personnel training in social partners and [non-government organisations] NGOs.

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The paper deals with the socially vulnerable group of [not in education, employment or training] NEETs both in Europe and Greece. Especially, it focuses on the building and the outlining of the Greek NEET socio-economic and psychological profile, which is based on the qualitative and quantitative research findings of the project, 'Absents' barometer: NEETs in Greece'. The first two parts of this paper focus on the impact of multilevel economic recession on youths aged 15-24 and on the state of play regarding NEETs in Europe. The last parts briefly present the main findings and conclusions of the project referring to the Greek NEETs' profile.

Specifically, most Greek NEETs are women aged 20-24 and with previous professional experience. The majority of both the NEETs and their parents have a low to moderate educational level and a low family income. Furthermore, they are unmarried, with no children and they live with their family. They are pessimistic and disappointed by the Greek educational system, the state and the political personnel. NEETs blame them for their difficult living conditions. They firmly believe that there is no Greek welfare state and social equality. However, NEETs do not feel socially excluded because of their family and friends. Finally, many of them are thinking about [emigrating].

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This research paper presents and analyses the findings of the new [European Economic Area] EEA-funded large-scale research project entitled 'NEETs2' (EEA Grants/GR07-3757), which was completed in 2016. In brief, through primary nationwide quantitative and qualitative research), the project aimed, firstly, at the research-based mapping of the relationship between Greek [not in employment, education or training] NEETs and psychopathology - the sketching of their psychological profile - as well as the investigation of the impact of the economic crisis on their psychological profile and life course. Secondly, it aimed at a research-based mapping of NEETs' skills profile and their needs-in-skills. Within this context, the findings led to a targeted and competence-based training-reskilling programme (including two counseling and vocational guidance handbooks) and a proposed set of psychological supportive activities to promote the social inclusion of NEETs in Greece.

The research paper raises definitional issues concerning NEETs, while emphasizing the relation between youth unemployment and NEET rates both in the EU and Greece. Based on several of the key findings of the quantitative research, the paper maps the profile NEETs in Greece today, analyses their socio-demographic characteristics (comparing to the control group, namely the rest of the youth), presents findings related to the medical history and health-related characteristics and sketching the psychological profile of Greek NEETs. Furthermore it analyses the impact of crisis on the life course and employability of NEETs in Greece and provides evidence-based insights on their politically-related attitudes and civic values.

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