About Us

Developmental Center of Thessaly

Development Center of Thessaly (AKETH) located in Trikala is a non-profit organization. The organization is making a constant effort to contribute substantially to equal access to knowledge in the society, to promote sustainability, healthy behavior and to shape a better future for humans. One of the main objectives is to promote entrepreneurship and personal initiative, as the main way to help people get through the hard situation of unemployment that strikes many countries in Europe and especially on the southeastern part.

Certifications / Awards

AKETH is certifiied VET provider by the National Accreditation Organization for Vocational Training/Skills and has been certified as adult educators/trainers examination center by E.O.P.P.E.P.’s [National Organisation for the Certification of Qualifications & Vocational Guidance (EOPPEP)].

AKETH has been awarded for the implementation of its exemplary vocational education and training projects under Leonardo da Vinci programme over the year 2011 from the Greek State Scholarships Foundation (IKY - Greek National Agency).

Aketh is a member of:

• the Hellenic Association of Continuing Vocational Training Centers.
• the European Network for Transfer and Exploitation of EU Project Results
• the Drop’pin community -Europe’s youth opportunities platform
• EPALE membership community for Adult Learning in Europe

Our Vision & Goals

AKETH, having the dual role of Vocational Training Center and Development Center, acts in the direction of contributing to employment and addressing the wider social challenges, as well as increasing the competitiveness and development of small and medium enterprises in the region of Thessaly. In this way it offers young and adult career opportunities through their participation in various training programs.
To achieve these goals, AKETH is addressed equally to men and women, to people with high potential, but also to those who face (for any reason) the risk of exclusion from the labor market. AKETH follows the National and European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning and aims to shift the vision from a learning process that is oriented towards the contribution of learning outcomes, to a lifelong learning process that corresponds to the labor market.

The main objectives of AKETH are:

  • continuous training and development of relevant activities, such as studies and research, training seminars, workshops aimed at the development of education,
  • actions to promote and support employment counselors,
  • providing consulting services that combine: Design - Systems - Human Resources & Technology in all national and international programs.

The AKETH strategy can be summarized as follows:

  • Implementation of lifelong learning and mobility programs
  • Improving the quality and effectiveness of education and training
  • Enhancing innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship at all levels of education and training
  • Strengthening the intervention role in the development and competitiveness of small and medium enterprises
  • Development of synergies between companies at national and European level
  • Creating a pan-European network to develop a network of values ​​to respond immediately to changes, opportunities, innovations related to vocational education and training.

Key Personnel of EU Projects Directorate

Achilleas Kostoulas
Achilleas Kostoulas
Head of Eu Projects Directorate
Achilleas Kostoulas is the head of the EU projects Directorate of AKETH-DCT. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering and three master degrees in different scientific fields . He has over 20 years of experience in EU projects and long term teaching experience in Universities, adult education and vocational training.
Gulsah Aksoy-Tzafolia
Gulsah Aksoy-Tzafolia
Gulshah Aksoy holds a degree in Geophysical Engineering and a master degree on Integrating Technology in Education. She has long term experience in coordination and implementation of EU projects, while she is the responsible for AKETH-DCT's network in South-East Europe.
Giannis Papavasileiou
Giannis Papavasileiou
Giannis Papavasileiou holds a degree in Computer Science and a master degree in Education and Instructional Technology. His main expertise is the development and management of e-learning platforms. He is a certified adult instructor with more than 10 years of teaching experience in adult education.
Sotiris Mageirias
Sotiris Mageirias
Sotiris Mageirias is part of the EU projects Directorate of AKETH-DCT. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Law from the Democritus University of Thrace, Greece. His previous experience helped him develop administrative and interpersonal skills, making him perfectly capable of meeting the needs of his current position.
Christos Nistas
Christos Nistas
Christos Nistas holds a Bachelor degree in Economics from the University of Ioannina, Greece. He has experience in managing and coordinating both National and EU funded projects and is currently responsible for the organization of AKETH Innovation STEAM Lab including innovative practices.
Konstantinos Chonias
Konstantinos Chonias
Konstantinos Chonias is member of AKETH-DCT’s IT department, supporting the European Projects Directorate as the resident technical expertise and graphic designer in production of digital and ordinary material in various forms. Currently he is responsible for the 3-D printing lab of AKETH-DCT.
Marios-Dimitrios Bantolas
Marios-Dimitrios Bantolas
Marios-Dimitrios Bantolas is part of AKETH-DCT IT department. He holds an integrated Masters degree in Information and Communication Systems Engineering from the Univercity of the AEGEAN. He is experienced in application development for mobile, web and desktop platforms.

Virtual Tour

in our premises

The privately owned facilities of AKETH are 600 square meters, located near the city center and are accessible and functional for people with disabilities. There are four classrooms along with a specially designed computer lab, a library, a meeting room and office space for the needs of the AKETH departments.

Enjoy a virtual tour of our premises.

PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION POLICY

This Privacy and Data Protection Policy applies to the facilities of AKETH and all the services it provides as well as to the official website of the organization.

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QUALITY POLICY

AKETH has been active in the field of training and management of central and decentralized European programs since 2006. Its basic philosophy is to contribute to the economic, social and cultural upgrading of the country through training programs, research and transnational actions and initiatives.

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