Green Academy: Initiative for Training Young People in Modern and Green Professions in Thessaloniki
By Athenian Brewery in collaboration with the non-profit organization Odyssea
Athenian Brewery, with a strong focus on the new generation and sustainability, launches a new partnership with the non-profit organization Odyssea for the creation of an innovative Green Academy in Thessaloniki. The initiative aims to combine sustainability with the opportunities of today’s economic reality.
The Green Academy seeks to meaningfully prepare young people from vulnerable social groups for their direct integration into the labor market, by cultivating in-demand skills and enhancing their employability. Already, 30 participants have joined the program, receiving modern training in fields such as hospitality, agriculture, and construction. Through innovative teaching methods, they gain up-to-date knowledge and valuable “green” skills, essential for their professional development. At the same time, the program provides targeted employability support, helping participants find stable jobs and integrate into industries with long-term prospects — creating real employment opportunities for the country’s workforce.
Through a series of practical educational workshops, participants explore skills related to the green transition, such as zero-waste cooking, sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly painting techniques, and solar panel installation. The Green Academy is not just an educational initiative — it represents a step toward a sustainable professional future, full of opportunities, empowering young people to take an active role in a society moving toward a greener and more digital tomorrow.
As Yiannis Georgakellos, Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Athenian Brewery, stated:
“Through the Green Academy, we are joining forces with Odyssea to equip young people with the modern tools they need to confidently meet the evolving demands of the market and the green economy. At the same time, we actively support the inclusion of vulnerable groups in the labor market. Thessaloniki is part of our history and productive identity, and with the Green Academy, Athenian Brewery reaffirms its commitment to investing in local communities and creating employment opportunities through innovative initiatives and strategic collaborations.”
On behalf of Odyssea, Dina Rokić, Branch Manager at the organization’s Youth Center in Thessaloniki, noted:
“The Green Academy creates sustainable training and employment opportunities for young people, even for those without prior specialization. Through our collaboration with Athenian Brewery, we open access to education in green skills and support the green and digital transition in sectors such as sustainable agriculture, zero-waste cooking, and green construction. In doing so, we equip young talents with the tools to build meaningful professional prospects, while strengthening the local community of Thessaloniki and contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive society.”
