Portugal : Continuing vocational education and training (CVET) for adults

In 2005, with the aim of raising basic qualification levels of adult population, the Portuguese Government launched the New Opportunities Initiative. Among other aspects, this initiative facilitates, with a special interest in terms of continuing vocational training, the recognition, validation and certification of acquired skills (which shall constitute the ‘entry door’ to adult vocational training). It also promotes vocational training intended for adults who have no qualifications or whose qualifications are inadequate for integration in the labour market.
During the current year, within the scope of the Agreement for Vocational Training Reform signed by the Government and its social partners, the Sistema Nacional de Qualificações (National Qualifications System – SNQ) has been created. The Catálogo Nacional de Qualificações (National Qualification Catalogue - CNQ) contains a set of standard guidelines, which are essential for the competitiveness and modernisation of economy and for the personal and social development of individuals, enabling that training solutions are thus rightly adjusted to the needs of enterprises and of the labour market.
The Conselho Nacional da Formação Profissional (National Council for Vocational Training – CNFP), which is an advisory body of the Government in terms of the conception, formulation and support of the qualification policies for the Portuguese population, within the framework of the SNQ. The Council approves the elements which constitute the CNQ.
The social partners’ involvement in the development and provision of continuing vocational training gained increased support with the signing of the Acordo sobre Política de Emprego, Mercado de Trabalho, Educação e Formação (Agreement on Policy concerning Employment, the Labour Market, Education and Training) (2001) and with the implementation of the Código do Trabalho (Labour Code).
The number of workers involved in vocational training schemes varies widely from sector to sector and depending on the size of enterprise concerned. The results of the Inquérito Comunitário à Formação Contínua nas Empresas [Community Survey of Continuing Training in Enterprises]and the Inquéritos Nacional sobre a Execução das Acções de Formação Profissional [National Surveys of the Implementation of Vocational training Activities] indicate an upward trend in participation by workers in enterprises with ten or more employees.
For people who have joined the labour market but wish to continue studying, Portuguese law establishes the rights and status of student-workers (Art. 79 of the Labour Code). Accordingly, workers are entitled to support in the form of flexible working hours (or time off work to attend classes, if necessary) and have the right to take leave of absence to attend assessment procedures.

Em 2005, com o objectivo de elevar os níveis básicos da população adulta, o Governo Português lançou a Iniciativa Novas Oportunidades. Entre outros aspectos, esta iniciativa permite, com um interesse especial em termos de formação profissional contínua, o reconhecimento, validação e certificação de competências adquiridas (que deverá constituir a 'porta entrada "para adultos de formação profissional). Também promove a formação profissional destinados aos adultos que não têm habilidades ou cujos conhecimentos são insuficientes para a integração no mercado de trabalho.