Training in the Motor Vehicle Repair and Sales Sector in Greece. Report for the FORCE Programme

A study listed and analyzed the vocational training and continuing training systems for staff in the motor vehicle repair and sales sector in Greece. Heavy taxation on motor vehicles led to difficulty in replacing vehicles that resulted in a very high demand for vehicle repairs, which, in conjunction with the ambiguous legislation governing the operation of the repair shops, led to the establishment of a huge number of small vehicle repair shops that operated in a traditional way, and in many cases, without operating licenses. After May 1993, legislation made it difficult for most vehicle repair shops to survive since they would not have the appropriate license. Legislation laid down the requirements for practicing the occupation of motor mechanic. About 72,110 staff were employed in the sector: 60,370 in motor vehicle repair and maintenance repair shops, and the remaining 11,800 in motor vehicle retail companies. The demand for continuing training due to the impact of rapid technological developments resulted in underemployment, unemployment, or departure from the field of older traditional technicians. Initial study was offered by private and state schools. Four firms were involved in the case studies: VIAMAX A.V.E.E. (Rover); D. Nafpliotis E.P.E. (Peugeot); M. Triantafyllou E.E. (Opel); and Sinopoulos Service E.P.E. Case studies described the company, continuing training policy, and evaluation/applicability to other companies. The survey confirmed the urgent need for radical reform of the education system. (Contains 21 references.) (YLB)