The Vice-President of the Government announced in Angra do Heroísmo the beginning of "a new phase of 'Estagiar' programme," revealing that this month more than 895 young graduates started to work in the Azores with the support of "Estagiar L and T" (traineeship) programmes; 76 percent of trainees are in the private sector. 

"352 young people, after completing their university degree, began their professional activity under the 'Estagiar L' programme. In turn, 543 young people began their activity, after concluding their vocational education, through 'Estagiar T' programme," announced Sérgio Ávila during a visit to "Caixa Económica da Misericórdia" (bank) of Angra do Heroísmo (CEMAH).

The government official pointed out that "76 percent of these young people started their professional activity in private companies or in non-profit entities, which clearly demonstrates the dynamics of the private sector in the Region" and the opportunities for youth job creation.

"We point out this measure today at the "Caixa Económica da Misericórdia" of Angra do Heroísmo as it has been a truly exemplary institution in the integration of young people into the labour market," said Sérgio Ávila. According to him, this financial institution has ensured, over the past four years, the hiring of 17 young people after the conclusion of the traineeship programme.

The Vice-President emphasised the fact that it is one of the entities that not only has received a significant number of trainees, but also has hired a "significant number" of them.

"This is even more relevant when, this year, 14 young people have applied for this institution under the 'Estagiar' programme," the government official said, stressing that this programme created by the Regional Government "is an extremely successful experience."

"The Government's initiative aims to ensure support to the integration of young people, after completing their studies, in the labour market," Sérgio Ávila said, adding that it intends to, through traineeships with duration of 18 or 24 months, promote their integration into the labour market.

As he mentioned, this is the initial support to provide a first opportunity that young trainees and entities should seize towards future professional stability.

Sérgio Ávila also recalled the recent adjustments to the programme rules in order to increase "rigour in traineeships" and to turn it into an "effective first opportunity for young people to enter the labour market."

"Youth employment is a major priority for us and, in this context, the fact that more than 895 young Azoreans start their professional activity on October 1 is extremely significant for us," said the Vice-President of the Government.