The Government of the Azores has approved the training offer for vocational training schools in the Azores, thus fulfilling the commitment made to these school establishments in order to compensate for the reduced levels of activity in recent years.

The Government has approved a total of 35 vocational training courses. They are addressed at students who completed the 9th form and who wish to pursue their secondary studies in vocational training.

In order to ensure the level of activity of these schools, the Government also authorised the organisation of 45 REATIVAR courses for people who are currently unemployed and who wish to invest in themselves with the aim of enhancing their education and getting certified professional qualifications.

With regard to the REATIVAR courses, 23 are two-year double certification courses (12th form diploma and professional certificate); the remaining 22 courses will have a duration of one year and are intended to provide participants with basic education certification (9th form).

The Government has authorised a total of 80 courses for the next school year, which are expected to cover 1,600 youngsters and adults.

The courses will be funded by the European Social Fund under the next operational programme that will be force from 2014 to 2020.

By taking action a structural level to enhance the skills of the Azorean population and supporting the entering or re-entering of workers in the labour market, the Government of the Azores intends to continue and intensify the fights against unemployment in the Region.