Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT)

Population, Employment & Cost of Living Statistics Division

Labour Statistics Section

46, Pireos & Eponiton Str. 18510 - Piraeus

The Continuing Vocational Training Survey (CVTS) collects information on enterprises’ investment in the continuing vocational training of their staff. Continuing vocational training (CVT) refers to education or training measures or activities which are financed in total or at least partly by the enterprise (directly or indirectly). Part financing could include the use of work-time for the training activity as well as financing of training equipment.

Information available from the CVTS is grouped around the following topics:

- Provision of CVT courses and other forms of CVT (training/non-training enterprises)

- CVT strategies

- Participants in CVT courses

- Costs of CVT courses

- Time spent in CVT courses

- Characteristics of CVT courses

- Assessment of CVT activities

The CVTS also collects some information on initial vocational training (IVT).

For further information see the CVTS 6 legislation (http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/education-and-training/legislation) and the CVTS 6 implementation manual (http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/education-and-training/methodology).

The main groupings for enterprises are by economic activity (NACE), size group (10-49, 50-249, >250 persons employed).

No deviation from the CVTS requirements.

CVTS 2020 covers the enterprises that employ more than 10 persons employed and belong to all economic activities except NACE Rev. 2 sections:

A (‘Agriculture, forestry and fishing’), O (‘Public administration and defence; compulsory social security’), P (‘Education’), Q (‘Human health and social work activities’), T (‘Activities of households as employers; undifferentiated goods and services producing activities of households for own use’) and U (‘Activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies’)

Definitions as well as the list of variables covered are available in the CVTS 6 implementation manual (http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/education-and-training/methodology).

The statistical unit is the enterprise.

Enterprise definition is compliant with Council Regulation (EEC) No 696/93.

35 690 enterprises.

The population of the CVT survey is the total of the enterprises employing at least ten (10) persons employed belonging to certain NACE categories (see 3.3).

Variable A2tot (persons employed) refers to the annual average 2020.

Greece, total.

Data are available for the years 2005 (according to Nace Rev.1.1) and for 2010, 2015 and 2020 (according to Nace Rev.2).

Not applicable.

Number, EUR.

The reference year for CVTS 6 is the calendar year 2020.

At European level

Basic legal act: Regulation (EC) No 1552/2005 of the European Parliament and the Council

Implementing act: Commission Regulation (EU) No 1153/2014, amending Commission Regulation (EC) No 198/2006

At national level

Government Gazette (FEK) 1793/B/2021

Not applicable.

The issues concerning the observance of statistical confidentiality by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) are arranged by articles 7, 8 and 9 of the Law 3832/2010 as in force, by Articles 8, 10 and 11(2) of the Regulation on Statistical Obligations of the agencies of the Hellenic Statistical System and by Articles 10 and 15 of the Regulation on the Operation and Administration of ELSTAT.

More precisely, ELSTAT disseminates the statistics in compliance with the statistical principles of the European Statistics Code of Practice and in particular with the principle of statistical confidentiality.

ELSTAT protects and does not disseminate data it has obtained or it has access to, which enable the direct or indirect identification of the statistical units that have provided them by the disclosure of individual information directly received for statistical purposes or indirectly supplied from administrative or other sources. ELSTAT takes all appropriate preventive measures so as to render impossible the identification of individual statistical units by technical or other means that might reasonably be used by a third party. Statistical data that could potentially enable the identification of the statistical unit are disseminated by ELSTAT if and only if:

a) these data have been treated, as it is specifically set out in the Regulation on Statistical Obligations of the agencies of the Hellenic Statistical System (ELSS), in such a way that their dissemination does not prejudice statistical confidentiality or
b) the statistical unit has given its consent, without any reservations, for the disclosure of data.

The confidential data that are transmitted by ELSS agencies to ELSTAT are used exclusively for statistical purposes and the only persons who have the right to have access to these data are the personnel engaged in this task and appointed by an act of the President of ELSTAT.

ELSTAT may grant researchers conducting statistical analyses for scientific purposes access to data that enable the indirect identification of the statistical units concerned. The access is granted provided the following conditions are satisfied:

a) an appropriate request together with a detailed research proposal in conformity with current scientific standards have been submitted;

b) the research proposal indicates in sufficient detail the set of data to be accessed, the methods of analysing them, and the time needed for the research;

c) a contract specifying the conditions for access, the obligations of the researchers, the measures for respecting the confidentiality of statistical data and the sanctions in case of breach of these obligations has been signed by the individual researcher, by his/her institution, or by the organization commissioning the research, as the case may be, and by ELSTAT.

Issues referring to the observance of statistical confidentiality are examined by the Statistical Confidentiality Committee (SCC) operating in ELSTAT. The responsibilities of this Committee are to make recommendations to the President of ELSTAT on:

• the level of detail at which statistical data can be disseminated, so as the identification, either directly or indirectly, of the surveyed statistical unit is not possible;
• the anonymization criteria for the microdata provided to users;
• the granting to researchers access to confidential data for scientific purposes.

The staff of ELSTAT, under any employment status, as well as the temporary survey workers who are employed for the collection of statistical data in statistical surveys conducted by ELSTAT, who acquire access by any means to confidential data, are bound by the principle of confidentiality and must use these data exclusively for the statistical purposes of ELSTAT. After the termination of their term of office, they are not allowed to use these data for any purpose.

Violation of data confidentiality and/or statistical confidentiality by any civil servant or employee of ELSTAT constitutes the disciplinary offence of violation of duty and may be punished with the penalty of final dismissal.

ELSTAT, by its decision, may impose a penalty amounting from ten thousand (10,000) up to two hundred thousand (200,000) euros to anyone who violates the confidentiality of data and/or statistical confidentiality.

The penalty is always imposed after the hearing of the defence of the person liable for the breach, depending on the gravity and the repercussions of the violation. Any relapse constitutes an aggravating factor for the assessment of the administrative sanction.

Release dates for almost all data produced by ELSTAT are planned during the previous calendar year. This planning is published in a Release Calendar, available to all users at ELSTAT's website from the previous calendar year

Press releases are published on the website of ELSTAT at 12:00 (EET) in accordance with the press releases calendar (except in unforeseen circumstances).

https://www.statistics.gr/en/calendar#92022 

Press releases and any related data tables are published at ELSTAT's website and are accessible, at the same time to all users.

Users interested in specific data, may apply to ELSTAT, and receive any press release by mail at the time of publication.

Every 5 years.

Press release for CVTS 6 results on 20/12/2022, see https://www.statistics.gr/en/statistics/-/publication/SJO43/-

The press release includes the main indicators produced by the survey, as well as comparisons with the previous rounds of the survey.

https://www.statistics.gr/en/statistics/-/publication/SJO43/-

There is no national on-line database concerning the survey on Continuing Vocational Training.

Not applicable.

Microdata, if not confidential, are available to users after submitting their request to the:

Division of Statistical Information and Publications

46, Pireos and Eponiton Str.

18510 Piraeus

Tel: +30 213 135 2022

Fax: +30 213 135 2819/2298

e-mail: data.dissem@statistics.gr

Not available.

Not applicable.

The methodology concerning the survey on Continuing Vocational Training is laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1552/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as well as in the related Eurostat manual.

Not applicable.

The Metadata (SIMS) on Continuing Vocational Training Survey is available on the portal of ELSTAT at the link: https://www.statistics.gr/el/statistics/-/publication/SJO43/2020

Correctness and completeness checks as well as quality checks are carried out during the whole process of the compilation of the data of the survey on Continuing Vocational Training: from the data collection stage to the final compilation of the results.

Data are validated either before or after data entry by means of logical checks. During data processing the data are checked in order to identify and correct any errors. When an error is identified, the data are further investigated, in cooperation with the enterprises in order to confirm that it is an error or it is just an unusual value. At the same time, data are checked for completeness, accuracy and consistency of the correlating variables.

The Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) aims to ensure and further improve the quality of statistics produced and maintain the confidence of users in them. This is achieved through the Quality Policy and Quality Guidelines of ELSTAT, which are posted on the website of ELSTAT and are available at the following links:

http://www.statistics.gr/documents/20181/2571f853-1e37-46da-9387-595bbe2a162b

http://www.statistics.gr/documents/20181/1609796/ELSTAT_Quality_Instructions_EN.pdf/4095e67c-2fe4-450b-8a95-18bc992a83c6

The results of the survey on continuing vocational training are transmitted to Eurostat where they are assessed and validated.

The main users of the survey on continuing vocational training are policy makers, social actors, media, researchers, students and international organisations.

Moreover, the enterprises that have the obligation to fill in the questionnaire are at the same time users of these data. They request relevant data in order to draw their policy on the training of their persons employed, to reduce labour cost, to explore and increase their competitiveness.

a. User Satisfaction Survey

ELSTAT conducts a user satisfaction survey every semester. The results of this survey are published in the Library’s Newsletter (published in Greek and English) which is issued by the Library and the Section of Statistical Dissemination of ELSTAT, drawing information from the user’s questionnaire. This publication presents data on the number of users in relation with other variables, such as response rate to users’ requests, the kind of requested data, as well as the dissemination mode of statistical information. These characteristics are tabulated and are presented in absolute values and percentages.

b. Users Conference

Pursuant to its annual statistical work programme, ELSTAT has been conducting since 2010, on a yearly basis, the Users Conference with the participation of representatives of the public and private sector, academics and research institutes.

The Users Conferences offer ELSTAT the opportunity to gather comments and proposals made by users of statistics pertaining to the dissemination of statistical information, access to statistical data and any shortcomings in the produced statistics.

The Users Conferences help ELSTAT to draw useful conclusions on the areas of statistical production that need to be improved in order to live up fruitfully the evolving needs of users. Such conclusions are integrated in the annual and short-term statistical programmes of ELSTAT.

More information on a) the results of the User Satisfaction Survey and b) on the Users Conferences are available on the portal of ELSTAT via the following link:

http://www.statistics.gr/en/user-conference

The survey on Continuing Vocational Training covers all the variables defined in the relevant EU Regulations.

Not applicable.

The errors that have an impact on the accuracy of the indexes are: sampling errors (1) and non-sampling errors (2).

1. Sampling errors are due to the fact that the survey is not conducted on all the enterprises of the target population but on a sample of these enterprises. The sample size ensures high accuracy estimations at the level of Greece as a total.

2. Non-sampling errors mostly refer to measurement errors and non-response errors, on account of non-response of the sample enterprises. Any measurement errors during data collection are identified by means of quality checks and are duly corrected. As regards non-response errors, all efforts are made for contacting the enterprises that have not responded by phone or by other means of communication, in order to persuade them to cooperate and give the necessary information.

The survey on Continuing Vocational Training is a sample survey and as a result the estimations for the total as well as for the branches of economic activities have sampling errors.

Sampling errors - sample design

The sampling method used was one-stage stratified random sampling with sampling unit the enterprise employing 10 or more persons employed. The sampling frame was based on data from the Business Register of the ELSTAT.

The criteria used for stratification were:

1. Aggregations of NACE Rev.2 Divisions and Groups (20 aggregations), described in table A below and
2. Size class of the enterprise, determined by the average annual number of persons employed (3 size classes), described in table B below.

Table A: Stratification Criteria_NACE Rev. 2 Aggregations

Table B: Stratification Criteria_Size Classes

The sample size in each stratum (economic activity x size class), h, was calculated according to the following formula proposed by Eurostat:

n_h=1/[c²*t_eh+1/N_h]/r_n]

where

n_h = the number of sampling units in the stratum h

r_h   = the expected response rate in the stratum h

c = maximum length of half the confidence interval

t_eh = the expected proportion of training enterprises in the stratum h

N_h= the total number of enterprises (training and non-training) in the stratum h

The total (initial/gross) sample size accounts for 6396 enterprises (sampling fraction 15.0%). For further details see also table 13.3.1 "Coverage error" in annex "EL - QR tables CVTS 2020 (excel)".

Final Weights

The extrapolation factors used in the estimation process where calculated as follows:

w_hi = w_h = N_h/n_h * n_h/m_h 

where

N_h   = the total number of enterprises in the initial stratum h,

n_h     =   the number of initial sampling units in the initial stratum h

m_h   =  the number of respondent units in the initial stratum h

Estimation process and sampling errors

See table 13.2.1 "Sampling errors - indicators" in annex "EL - QR tables CVTS 2020 (excel)".

The coefficients of variation for the required variables are presented in table 13.2.1 "Sampling errors - indicators" in annex "EL - QR tables CVTS 2020 (excel)".

The CVs for the year 2020 are: 

*IVT: Initial Vocational Training

See 13.3.1 - 13.3.5.

See table 13.3.1 "Coverage error" in annex "EL - QR tables CVTS 2020 (excel)".

It is possible that some enterprises included in the Register, although being selected in the sample, do no longer exist during the survey conduct (closed enterprises, enterprises out of scope, e.g. enterprises employing less than 10 persons employed).

Furthermore, some enterprises may have not been included in the sample because they started operating in a later stage. This resulted in under coverage and underestimation of the produced statistics (under coverage rate).

It must be noted that within the period between drawing the sample and conducting the survey, some sampling units (enterprises) changed the designing of the strata after data collection. These units were allocated into new strata (employment class sizes, branch of economic activity) maintaining the initial probability of selection. This fact changed the initial variation of data, the initial allocation of the sample enterprises, thus inflating the variation of estimations. Therefore, the coefficient of variation of the produced statistics was higher than the coefficient of variation which had been calculated on the basis of the sample design.

See table 13.3.1.1 "Over-coverage - rate" in annex "EL - QR tables CVTS 2020 (excel)". 

Not applicable.

The questionnaires are filled in through personal interview in the enterprise. The method that is used ensures high quality data, since the statistical interviewers assist the respondent to filling in the questionnaire and then check the filled-in questionnaires before leaving the enterprise.

The statistical interviewers are normally external survey workers and, if necessary, experienced permanent employees of ELSTAT. The interviewers are duly trained during seminars before the conduct of the survey. The purpose of the training seminars is to enable the interviewers to a) fully understand the definitions and the variables of the survey, b) correctly fill in the survey questionnaire and c) check the questionnaires for any errors through logical checks.

The structure and the size of the questionnaire make it friendly to statistical interviewers and respondents. The questions are clearly stated using the appropriate language and terminology. Furthermore, the compiled guidelines cover analytically all the survey variables. All the aforementioned ensure the fact that the collected questionnaires are complete and correctly filled in, thus minimizing any measurement errors.

Any measurement errors that may take place during data collection, are identified by means of quality checks and are duly corrected.

Non-response on behalf of the enterprises is tackled by sending reminder letters via fax or e-mail, by contacting the enterprises or by planning visit to the enterprise, in order to collect the requested data.

In the census strata, where all the population units had been included in the sample, unit response was sometimes quite high, but not 100% for all the combinations of sections and size classes, on account of non-response of some enterprises. Consequently, some census strata became sampling strata, causing an increase in sampling error for the survey characteristics.

See table 13.3.3.1 "Unit non-response - rate" in annex "EL - QR tables CVTS 2020 (excel)".

See table 13.3.3.2 "Item non-response - rate" in annex "EL - QR tables CVTS 2020 (excel)".

Once collected, the data are processed in order to compile the results for the survey on Continuing Vocational Training.

More specifically, once the data are gathered in the Central Service of ELSTAT, the following statistical actions take place: codification, logical checks, data entry and comparison with other sources of statistical information.

After the completion of all the final checks in order to spot any non-sampling errors, quality checks are carried out on the collected data in order to identify any outliers. If outliers and errors are spotted then are duly corrected.

No model is used for the compilation of the data on Continuing Vocational Training Survey.

The reference period for CVTS 6 is the calendar year 2020.

30 June 2022

14 July 2022

Countries should transmit data to Eurostat no later than 18 months after the end of the reference year.

See table 14.2 "Project phases - dates" in annex "EL - QR tables CVTS 2020 (excel)".

Not applicable.

See table 15.1 "Comparability - geographical" in annex "EL - QR tables CVTS 2020 (excel)".

Some additional variables/information related to COVID-19 were collected, see also table 15.1.

Not applicable.

See table 15.2 "Comparability - over time" in annex "EL - QR tables CVTS 2020 (excel)".

Not applicable.

Not available.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

CVTS results for a given reference year are based on the same microdata and results are calculated using the same estimation methods, therefore the data are internally coherent.

The questionnaire used for the data collection of the survey and the calculation of results is 100% harmonized with Eurostat’s questionnaire. The required information is very detailed and in sometimes is difficult to be answered mostly on behalf of small enterprises.

The CVTS is considered by some surveyed enterprises a difficult and time-consuming survey. Complaints have been mostly expressed in terms of the size of the questionnaire and the detailed analysis of the required information. The necessary time for filling the questionnaire depends on the size of the enterprises, the volume of training activities and the availability of the necessary information. The response time ranges from 15 minutes to one hour in small enterprises and from two to eight hours in big enterprises with many training activities.

The cost of the survey for 2020 amounted to 25,500 euros.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

CVTS 2020 is a mandatory, stand-alone survey.

See table 18.1 "Source data and data collection" in annex "EL - QR tables CVTS 2020 (excel)".

Every 5 years.

The questionnaire was designed according to CVTS 6 manual.

See also table 18.1 "Source data and data collection" in annex "EL - QR tables CVTS 2020 (excel)".

Phone and e-mail assistance to the enterprises by ELSTAT staff from the regional offices and the head office.

The initial data checks were carried out at the Regional Statistical Offices (RSO). The data entry application was designed with additional controls and filters.

The data were validated by applying logical checks. Data values which did not belong to the acceptable range specified in the CVTS manual were further investigated and corrected in cooperation with the enterprise.

Not applicable.

See table 18.5.1 "Imputation - rate" in annex "EL - QR tables CVTS 2020 (excel)".

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

No further comments.