Low vocational training enrollment in Cyprus highlighted at SkillsCyprus 2026

On Thursday, President Nikos Christodoulides addressed the launch of the ninth National Skills Competition, SkillsCyprus 2026, held at the State Fair in Nicosia. His speech, delivered by Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas, revealed that only 17.9% of secondary education students in Cyprus are enrolled in vocational training programs. This figure stands in stark contrast to the European Union average of 52.4%, marking a significant gap that the government intends to address.

Christodoulides highlighted that while the Cypriot economy is among the fastest-growing in the EU, the country faces systemic challenges regarding innovation, productivity, and workforce skills. Citing recent European Commission recommendations, the President emphasized the urgent need to expand the capacity and appeal of vocational education. This initiative is designed to mitigate labor shortages and improve the overall quality of employment by better integrating vulnerable groups into the market.

The SkillsCyprus 2026 competition serves as a strategic platform to boost interest in technical trades, with officials noting an expansion in the number of contest categories from 12 to 18 this year. The government continues to prioritize these reforms to bridge the gap with European standards and ensure long-term economic stability through a highly skilled labor force.