A significant increase has been recorded in recent years in the interest of young people in studying at the Public School of Higher Vocational Education and Training (MIEEK), with Limassol emerging as one of the most dynamic centers for the institution’s development. This was the key message of an information event held at My Mall Limassol, aimed at presenting the study programmes and career opportunities offered by MIEEK.
Speaking to “Entrepreneurial Limassol”, the District Director of MIEEK Limassol, Andreas Cleanthous, stated that Limassol is the only district in Cyprus with two MIEEK branches, operating both at the facilities of the Third Technical School and at the new, modern Absolute Institute of Technical Education (AITE) in Germasogeia. The continuous upgrading of infrastructure and the alignment of programmes with labour market needs have led to an impressive increase in student enrolment.
From approximately 125 students three years ago, the number of students in Limassol rose to 250 last year, while the target for the 2026–2027 academic year is to exceed 300 students. Nationwide, nearly 800 students are currently enrolled in MIEEK programmes. The programmes to be offered in Limassol cover a wide range of professions and specialisations, including culinary arts, bakery and confectionery, hospitality services, electrical installations and automation systems, automotive engineering, computer and communications networks, CNC technology, construction site supervision, organic farming, refrigeration and air-conditioning installations, mechanical installations, industrial production coordination, and supply chain management and maritime studies.
District Director Andreas Kleanthous emphasized that the graduate employment rate is close to 100%, as the programmes have been designed in close cooperation with industry and business needs. As he explained, many companies approach MIEEK directly in search of suitably trained personnel, confirming the institution’s crucial role in meeting the needs of the Cypriot economy, particularly within Limassol’s maritime and industrial sectors.
Particular emphasis during the event was placed on the two-year programme “Supply Chain Management and Maritime Studies,” which is considered especially important for Limassol, given that the city is Cyprus’s largest maritime centre and one of Europe’s most significant shipping hubs. The programme’s Academic Coordinator, Lina Ellina, stated that the programme enables students to acquire knowledge in both the maritime sector and the broader field of supply chain management, opening up multiple career pathways.
As she explained, approximately two out of every three graduates choose careers in the maritime sector, joining shipping companies and related businesses operating within the maritime industry, while a significant number are employed in purchasing, warehousing, procurement and logistics departments in industrial and commercial enterprises. Ms Ellina stressed that graduates are not limited exclusively to the maritime industry but acquire skills that allow them to work across a broad range of businesses. She also noted that Cyprus is the largest ship-management centre in Europe and the third largest worldwide, creating continuous demand for specialised personnel.
She also highlighted the experiential learning opportunities offered to students through educational visits to companies, participation in exhibitions and competitions, Erasmus+ programmes, and lectures delivered by industry professionals. The programme maintains collaborations with YoungShip Cyprus and the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, further strengthening the connection between studies and the professional world.
According to Ms Ellina, a major advantage of MIEEK is that studies are provided free of charge, students are eligible for state student grants, and no entrance examinations are required, as selection is based on a points system. This allows not only recent graduates but also working professionals seeking a career change or advancement to obtain recognised higher education qualifications at Level 5b.
On his part, MIEEK lecturer and maritime industry professional at Columbia Shipmanagement, Stavros Foka Kavalierakis, highlighted that lecturers’ direct involvement with the labour market allows them to transfer valuable practical experience to students. As he noted, the maritime industry continues to seek qualified personnel, and significant employment opportunities exist for MIEEK graduates. He added that over the past twenty years, the perception of maritime professions in Cyprus has changed considerably, with an increasing number of Cypriots choosing careers in the sector and advancing to positions of responsibility.
“There are jobs available and a need for specialised personnel. We are working to provide opportunities for young people and prepare them to become the future professionals of Cyprus’s maritime industry,” he stated.
