They also provide general education. Students enter technical and vocational schools after gymnasium at the age of fifteen. Technical courses last three years and apart from covering technical theory and practice, lay particular emphasis on sciences and mathematics. The specialisation offered in the technical section are in the areas of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering, computer maintenance, building, graphic and interior design, garment design and construction. Graduates of the technical section may be employed as technicians in industry or follow further studies in college and universities.
All vocational programmes are also of a three year duration.
In the final year of the vocational courses students attend school for three days a week and follow a practical training programme in industry for the other two days. In the vocational section greater emphasis is laid on the acquisition of skills. It incorporates six departments, which offer specialisations in the areas of mechanical and electrical engineering, building, hotel and catering, dress-making, engineering drawing, show manufacturing, silversmithing and jewellery. Graduates of the vocational courses are employed in local industry, or may follow courses in technical colleges. Tertiary Education Cyprus occupies a high place internationally in terms of Tertiary Education.