A vocational school in northern Portugal is helping students prepare for the labour market by combining classroom learning with practical training and workplace experience. The approach gives young people the skills and confidence needed for employment.

Across the EU, 40% of employers say they cannot find workers with the skills they need to fill vacancies. At the same time, nine out of ten occupations facing shortages require qualifications gained through vocational education and training (VET).

A new episode of Euronews Make It Work looks at how Escola Profissional CIOR, in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, is equipping young people with practical skills for careers such as welding, electrical work and pharmacy.

“For those who like learning by doing, through practical lessons, I think vocational training is a good choice,” says Dinis Vilas Boas, a CNC programming student at CIOR.

Lara Martins Capelo, who is studying pharmacy, is also optimistic about her future: “With the experience we have gained, it will be easy for me to find employment,” she says.

How does vocational education meet current labour market needs?

Portugal has set a target for 55% of secondary school students to be enrolled in vocational education and training by 2030.

To support this ambition, the European Social Fund Plus is investing around €1.5 billion in Portugal’s VET system through the country’s Pessoas 2030 programme.

The skills students gain are already in demand. But the labour market is evolving rapidly, driven by artificial intelligence and the digital and green transitions.

To keep pace, CIOR works closely with employers to ensure its courses reflect both current and future skills needs.

“Whether young or adult, people need to have the soft skills that today’s labour market demands,” says Amadeu Dinis, Director of CIOR.

“Being creative, reliable, competent and a good communicator – all of these skills are relevant across every professional field.”

What are the job prospects for graduates of vocational training in Portugal?

Experts say vocational training plays an important role in supporting both workers and businesses.

“Vocational training is essential if the country is to become more competitive and if companies are to strengthen their competitiveness,” says Aurora Teixeira, Professor of Economics at the University of Porto.

For CIOR students, the outlook is positive: three quarters find work as soon as they complete their studies.