The Region of Crete and the Center of Training and Lifelong Learning of the University of Crete (KEDIVIM-UoC), in collaboration with the Center for Political Research & Documentation (KEPET) of the Department of Political Science of the University of Crete and the Market Research & Entrepreneurship Unit of the University of Crete, are organizing a large-scale   "Training Program for young people in disadvantaged areas and socially vulnerable groups (entrepreneurship-employability-training-social innovation)".

The Training Program is implemented on the basis of a Program Agreement between the Region of Crete and the University of Crete, is funded entirely by the Region of Crete, and is therefore free of charge for trainees. The Scientific Coordinator of the Program is Nikos Papadakis, Professor and Director of KEPET at the Department of Political Science of the University of Crete.

The Training Program aims to provide: research-based needs assessment, thematic and targeted training (in a series of critical subjects) for employed and unemployed young people residing in disadvantaged areas of Crete and/or or belonging to socially vulnerable groups, and consequently to enhance their employability and strengthen their entrepreneurship in order to improve their employment prospects and life opportunities and, consequently, their social integration, through the acquisition of knowledge and the development of soft-horizontal and specialized skills of the trainees.

As the Program is aimed at the general population, with an emphasis on young people from disadvantaged areas of Crete and socially vulnerable groups, it is desirable (but not mandatory) qualification for participation is the completion of compulsory secondary education (High School Diploma).

Successful completion of the Program by trainees leads to the award of a Training Certificate from KEDIVIM of the University of Crete, corresponding to 8 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits.

Start date: November 1, 2025