The "Estagiar U" programme was created by the Government of the Azores to provide youngsters with an intermediate qualification level with the opportunity of undertaking a professional traineeship in a real work environment. This year, this initiative reached a record number of applications.

According to the data released by the Regional Directorate for Employment and Vocational Training, which is under the jurisdiction of the Vice-Presidency of the Government, a total of 871 university students have enrolled at this programme until May 31, the deadline of the application period.

The traineeships will take place from July 15 to September 30, lasting one month and being promoted by public and private entities that are willing to provide youngsters with a first contact with the labour world, thus beginning the transition from university to working life.

Created in 2010, "Estagiar U" is addressed at young students living in the Region, who are attending university courses that confer a bachelor degree or a master's degree in accordance to the provisions of the Bologna process.

Applications for the programme have increased at a rate of 200 per year. In fact, the number of registrations rose from 294 in 2010 to 871 in 2013; a total of 2,245 applications have been submitted since the inception of this programme.