This report examines the labour context of advanced manufacturing in Greece, with a particular focus on the Region of Western Greece and its implications for Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Learning Factory initiatives. It provides an overview of the regional economic structure, labour market trends, and the evolving skills requirements associated with digital transformation and advanced manufacturing technologies. Although the Greek economy is largely dominated by the service sector, manufacturing remains an important contributor to employment, regional development, and technological innovation. In recent years, national and European policies have increasingly emphasised digitalisation, automation, and sustainable production. However, the Greek labour market continues to experience significant skills mismatches, particularly in technical and digital competences required for Industry 4.0 and emerging Industry 5.0 environments.
Within this context, the Region of Western Greece presents a manufacturing sector mainly composed of small and medium-sized enterprises operating in areas such as food processing, construction materials, and metal products. While these industries play an important role in the regional economy, they face challenges related to productivity, technological adoption, and the availability of skilled personnel. These developments highlight the need for targeted upskilling and reskilling initiatives aligned with the evolving requirements of modern manufacturing.
The report also highlights the role of the Teaching Factory Competence Center (TF-CC) in supporting the development of advanced manufacturing skills through the Learning Factory paradigm. By combining hands-on training, industry collaboration, and real industrial challenges, TF-CC contributes to strengthening the connection between education and industry. Examples of training programmes and Teaching Factory pilot activities illustrate how such initiatives can support workforce development, promote the adoption of advanced technologies, and address regional skills gaps. Overall, the report underlines the importance of reinforcing the link between vocational education, technological innovation, and labour market needs. Learning Factories represent a valuable mechanism for equipping learners and professionals with the competences required to support the digital and sustainable transformation of manufacturing.
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