NEWS | Regional Government supports companies and training entities in qualifying those driving the economy forward

The application period for funding short and medium-term certified modular training courses for workers in the private sector under the Azores 2030 – ESF+ Programme is open until March 31. 

With an overall budget of €3 million, public and private vocational schools, certified training entities, the Azores Training Centre, and regional private employers are eligible to apply for public funding.

“This support is an incentive for companies to invest in the development of their workers. It is an opportunity to transform training into more talent, more productivity and a brighter future,” stated the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment at the Monsenhor João Maurício de Amaral Ferreira Vocational School in Povoação, São Miguel Island.

During a lunch prepared by students enrolled in the Culinary course run by this Vocational School as part of Qualifica.IN, under the RRP, Maria João Carreiro defended that the future of the Azorean economy lies in “more skills and more qualifications.” 

As such, the Regional Secretary called on companies and training entities to “use these funds to promote courses” aligned with new market requirements.

“When companies invest in training their workers, they are not only strengthening their teams and investing directly in the strength and productivity of their companies, but also contributing to a better-prepared labour market,” she said.

According to the government official, “it is time to seize these opportunities and invest in those driving our economy forward.”

Applications for modular training funding for private sector workers must be submitted to the Fund Desk at https://balcaofundosue.pt/. 

Training courses authorised on the Certificar Platform, at www.certificar.azores.gov.pt, structured as a Course Unit (UC) or Short-Term Training Unit (UFCD), in accordance with the National Qualifications Framework (QNQ) benchmarks, available as in-person or distance learning, are eligible for funding under this ESF+ notice.

Maria João Carreiro also congratulated the management of the Povoação Vocational School for the educational project it is developing to prepare young people and adults for the labour market. She praised its “willingness to strengthen the local economy and the island of São Miguel with qualified human resources,” who will be prepared to boost companies’ productivity. 

“This culinary course is a good example of how different factors can come together: the availability of a vocational school to provide tailored training, on the one hand, and the identification of the needs of companies in the municipality, on the other hand. This combination has resulted in more opportunities to hire qualified workers,” he said.

GRA/RÁDIOILHÉU