Postgraduate Year - Apprenticeship Class. Investigating trainees' views, attitudes and evaluations about the program

The research presented in this paper aims to investigate the opinions, attitudes, and assessments of apprentices regarding the Apprenticeship Program of Vocational High Schools (EPAL), which has been implemented in Greece since 2017. It constitutes an effort to contribute to the research data regarding the evaluation of the apprenticeship institution. The "Post-Secondary Year – Apprenticeship Class" is an optional alternative educational pathway following graduation from a Vocational High School (EPAL), combining learning at school and in the workplace. It provides adult graduates with the opportunity to receive training in a workplace (in either public or private sector enterprises), with remuneration equal to 75% of the minimum daily wage and full labor and insurance rights, while simultaneously attending training at the school (Laboratory Center), according to a specific Curriculum (Ministry of Education, 2017). Upon completion of the program, graduates obtain a Level 5 Vocational Specialization Degree of the National Qualifications Framework, after passing certification exams conducted by the National Organization for the Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance (EOPPEP) (Law 4186/2013). The results show a positive evaluation of the program by the apprentices, while particular interest is noted regarding the motives for choosing to participate and the impact of the implementing organization on the apprentices' perceptions.