Hellenic Railways and DYPA: 40 apprenticeship places for the new generation of railway technicians

Hellenic Railways (OSE) and the Public Employment Service (DYPA) are launching a new partnership that links vocational education with the real needs of the Greek railway. For the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years, a total of 40 apprenticeship places are being offered in technical specialisations at the DYPA Apprenticeship Vocational Schools (EPAS).

The two-year training combines theoretical and laboratory instruction at the DYPA Apprenticeship Vocational Schools with a paid and insured apprenticeship in a real railway environment.

The apprentices will be trained alongside experienced Hellenic Railways staff and will gain hands-on familiarity with the infrastructure, the technical systems, the facilities and the procedures for operating and maintaining the network. The apprenticeship will be carried out under organised supervision and in strict compliance with the health and safety rules for work on or near the railway track.

Two new specialisations at the Rentis Apprenticeship Vocational School

From the 2026-2027 school year, two new specialised programmes will operate at the Rentis Apprenticeship Vocational School, tailored to the modern technical and operational needs of the Greek railway:

— Railway Track Technician

— Technician in Signalling, Remote Control (Traffic Control) and Railway Telematics Systems.

The "Railway Track Technician" specialisation focuses on inspection, preventive and corrective maintenance, as well as on supporting works on the railway track. Trainees will become familiar, among other things, with rails, sleepers, fastenings, ballast and switches, with basic track geometry measurements and with the use of maintenance tools and equipment. Particular emphasis will be placed on safe access to and work in the railway environment, on identifying wear, and on the correct technical recording of the works carried out.

The "Technician in Signalling, Remote Control (Traffic Control) and Railway Telematics Systems" specialisation concerns the modern systems for controlling and safely managing railway traffic. The training covers signalling components, point operating mechanisms, cable networks, train detection systems, cabinets and field equipment, remote control (traffic control) and supervision systems, data networks and railway telematics applications. It also includes the principles of safe operation, fault diagnosis, testing, maintenance and the full technical documentation of every intervention.

The allocation of the 40 places

— 15 places for Technicians in Signalling, Remote Control (Traffic Control) and Railway Telematics Systems – Rentis Apprenticeship Vocational School

— 15 places for Railway Track Technicians – Rentis Apprenticeship Vocational School

— 2 places for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Works Technicians – Rentis Apprenticeship Vocational School

— 4 places for Electrical Works and Lifts Technicians – Aigaleo Apprenticeship Vocational School

— 4 places for Building Works Technicians – Rentis Apprenticeship Vocational School.

The additional technical specialisations will cover the operation and maintenance needs of the stations, the building infrastructure and the electromechanical installations of the railway network.

The partnership forms part of the wider work of Hellenic Railways to comprehensively upgrade railway education and training. The project includes strengthening and modernising the Railway Academy, developing new programmes and training manuals, installing modern simulators for train drivers and traffic management staff, as well as the systematic training, retraining and assessment of staff performing safety-critical duties.

The aim is a modern and integrated railway training system covering the entire professional path: from the initial technical training of young people to the continuous development and certification of the knowledge and skills of existing staff.

Eligibility to apply

Applications to the DYPA Apprenticeship Vocational Schools may be submitted by young women and men aged 15 to 29 who hold at least a lower secondary school (Gymnasio) leaving certificate or an equivalent qualification.

Those interested submit their application online through gov.gr, using their personal TAXISnet credentials, selecting the specialisation and the school of their choice.

Application for enrolment in a DYPA Apprenticeship Vocational School

With this new partnership, technical education is linked directly to specific needs of the railway network and creates professional prospects for young people. At the same time, it invests in the modern technical skills and the safety culture that every job in the railway environment demands.