Educational Routes:
Empowering Vocational School Students
Educational Routes («Διαδρομές Εκπαίδευσης») is a mobile learning program created by Odyssea, with the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation. It brings career orientation, vocational training, and employability skills directly to students in Vocational High Schools (EPAL) across Greece.
With mobile units visiting schools in Central and Northern Greece, the program gives young people, especially those in remote or underserved areas, free access to practical tools that help them explore careers, develop job-ready skills, and build a better future.
Why it matters
Many young people in Greece face real challenges when it comes to finding work and planning their future.
- Youth unemployment in Greece is one of the highest in the EU, at 19.4%. In Thessaloniki, this number reaches over 41%.
- Dropout rates in Vocational High Schools are nearly seven times higher than general education.
- At the same time, businesses struggle to find skilled workers, especially in tourism, construction, and IT.
This gap between education and the job market means young people often leave school without direction, while industries go understaffed. Educational Routes helps bridge that gap.
Our impact in 2024
Looking ahead: Next steps
Responding to the strong interest and positive feedback from students and educators, we’ve already launched the second year of the program.
In 2025, we continue delivering free, hands-on workshops to EPAL students, helping them make informed career choices and prepare for real job opportunities. We’re also expanding the program with a second mobile unit to reach even more remote areas in Northern Greece.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected pathway from education to employment.
