**Schools Should Train People for ‘Tomorrow’s Jobs’**
The demand for specialists in digital and information technologies, as well as computer engineering, is projected to rise significantly in the coming years, according to the technical teachers’ union, Oltek. On Monday, Oltek chairman Panayiotis Lyssandrou emphasized the importance of adapting technical education to meet the evolving needs of the labor market.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Lyssandrou highlighted that technical education must undergo continuous updates and enhancements to remain relevant. “We want technical schools with modern infrastructure, highly qualified teachers, close cooperation with the economy and industry, and courses that prepare young people for tomorrow’s jobs, not today’s,” he stated.
The union aims to provide high-quality technical education that is not merely an educational choice but rather a strategic investment in the future. Lyssandrou noted that technical and vocational training in Cyprus has seen a positive transformation, attracting an increasing number of students each year. “The continuous increase in the number of students proves that society in Cyprus now acknowledges its value, prospects, and modern role,” he added.
Technical schools in Cyprus offer contemporary specializations, direct connections to the labor market, and substantial opportunities for further education. According to Lyssandrou, graduates from these programs enjoy strong career prospects and competitive salaries. He attributed this positive trend to the collective efforts of educators, school directors, and the education ministry to enhance the quality of technical education.
However, Lyssandrou pointed out that technical education faces significant challenges, particularly in ensuring that curricula align with labor market demands while adapting to digital and green transitions. He called for the establishment of a committee to assess labor market needs over the next 15 years, stressing the importance of forward-thinking in education planning. “Let us not forget that our students enter technical and vocational training at the age of 14 or 15. Most will join the labor market ten or 15 years later, so planning should predict the skills and professions needed in the future,” he explained.
The demand for specialists in digital technologies and computer engineering is expected to be particularly strong, alongside other technical professions. Lyssandrou emphasized that while artificial intelligence (AI) is a crucial tool, it cannot replace essential human skills such as education, experience, judgment, and practical abilities. “It cannot replace the electrician, the plumber, the car mechanic, the builder, the cook, the carpenter, the farmer, and in general technical professions,” he noted.
Those who can merge technical training with the capabilities of new technologies and AI will be highly sought after in the labor market, according to Lyssandrou. He also stressed the importance of teacher quality in technical education, linking it directly to student outcomes. Implementing a robust teacher evaluation system could enhance educational quality by providing feedback, professional development, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
Furthermore, Lyssandrou advocated for the recruitment of teachers through equitable examinations that ensure equal opportunities for all candidates while addressing the specific needs of the education system.
As Cyprus continues to evolve in its educational approach, the emphasis on preparing students for future job markets becomes increasingly critical. The union's commitment to modernizing technical education reflects a broader recognition of the importance of equipping young people with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing economic landscape.