Cyprus is preparing to launch one of its most substantial upskilling initiatives in recent years, as the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus approves a new cycle of multi-company training programmes for the first half of 2026. With a total budget of €34.1 million, the initiative is expected to benefit 104,800 employees and unemployed people, offering tangible opportunities for career development, labour market integration and improved business performance.
The programmes will be implemented by certified Vocational Training Centres and are designed to respond directly to the evolving needs of the Cypriot economy. Their overarching objective is to upgrade knowledge, skills and professional attitudes across the workforce, contributing to higher productivity, stronger competitiveness and greater resilience for businesses and organisations.
Skills aligned with today’s economic priorities
Training themes span all sectors of the economy and all occupational categories. They include business management, new technologies and innovation, skills linked to the green and blue economy, renewable energy, energy efficiency, occupational health and safety, business continuity and training of trainers. A strong focus is placed on digital skills at all levels, including artificial intelligence and robotics, alongside specialised competencies tailored to specific professions.
Certified delivery and participation process
All programmes are delivered by centres certified by the Authority, hosted in approved vocational training facilities and taught by certified lifelong learning trainers. Applications for participation are submitted through the Hermes system directly to the relevant training centres, either before the programme begins or before 25 percent of its total duration has been completed.
Standard multi-company training programmes
These programmes enable employers to continuously upgrade the skills of their workforce in line with organisational needs, while also allowing registered unemployed individuals to participate with the aim of entering or re-entering the labour market. In total, 3,413 training programmes have been approved, based on 3,721 specifications, with an expected participation of 95,000 people. The total approved expenditure for this category amounts to €22.9 million.
Vital importance training programmes
This category focuses on specialised or innovative topics that are considered strategic priorities for the Cypriot economy. The programmes are mainly addressed to managerial and scientific staff and combine institutional training with in-company learning. Delivery is undertaken by trainers with extensive professional experience. A total of 251 programmes have been approved, targeting 7,000 participants, with an overall budget of €11 million.
Training programmes for trade union officials
These programmes aim to encourage trade unions and trade union organisations to invest in the continuous development of their representatives. Training focuses on topics directly related to trade union roles and responsibilities and is organised by specialised trade union training centres. Overall, 101 programmes based on 56 approved specifications will be implemented, benefiting 2,800 participants, with a total cost of €0.2 million.
Where to find more information
Further details about the approved programmes are available on the Authority’s website. Unemployed individuals interested in participating are required to contact the District Labour Offices of the Public Employment Service in order to obtain the necessary referral.
At a time when adaptability, continuous learning and specialised skills are increasingly decisive, the 2026 training programmes represent a strategic investment in people and a meaningful step towards a more agile workforce and a more competitive Cypriot economy.