Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Building fairer, more collaborative and sustainable labour environment depends on everyone, defends Maria João Carreiro
Building fairer, more collaborative and sustainable labour environment depends on everyone, defends Maria João Carreiro
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Applications for ESTAGIAR U until May 31
Applications for ESTAGIAR U until May 31
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Artur Lima emphasises "opportunities for cooperation" with Autonomous Region of Príncipe
Artur Lima emphasises "opportunities for cooperation" with Autonomous Region of Príncipe
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
"Agriculture is at the centre of our lives," stresses António Ventura
"Agriculture is at the centre of our lives," stresses António Ventura
Nota de Imprensa
May 2, 2025 Building fairer, more collaborative and sustainable labour environment depends on everyone, defends Maria João Carreiro The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment reiterated the Regional Government's "firm commitment" to "continuing strengthening extrajudicial mechanisms to solve labour disputes," such as the Regional Labour Conciliation and Arbitration Service - SERCAT. At the opening of the seminar "The Extrajudicial Resolution of Labour Disputes in the Azores," which took place in Ponta Delgada, Maria João Carreiro stated that this work involves institutional support, "awareness raising among employers and workers about the advantages of conciliation and the constant improvement of the legal framework supporting these processes." "This effort needs everyone's involvement and, for this reason, I am calling on companies and unions to continue believing in dialogue as the first way forward and legal experts to recommend and facilitate mediation whenever possible," she said. The government official insisted that "only with everyone's contribution can we build a fairer, more collaborative and sustainable working environment." Therefore, extrajudicial mechanisms for labour disputes are close, accessible, efficient and humanised. "Out-of-court settlements provide quicker, less costly and often better-adapted solutions to the specifics of each case, often preserving the relationship of trust between the parties involved," she emphasised. Maria João Carreiro recalled that "labour disputes directly impact people's lives, companies’ productivity and social peace." As she pointed out, “when a dispute between an employer and a worker drags on in the courts for years, everyone loses: the worker loses, as their rights are put on hold; the employer loses, as they live in uncertainty; and society loses, as it bears the costs and delays of the judicial system.” Created 36 years ago, SERCAT operates under the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment - Regional Directorate for Vocational Training and Employment, precisely to serve as an alternative route for labour disputes. It acts as a facilitator of dialogue between Azorean workers and employers, creating pathways for understanding where there were previously only barriers. Since its inception, more than 12,300 conciliation procedures have been carried out, achieving an overall success rate of 61%, as presented by Susana Martins, Director of Labour Services, in her presentation "SERCAT - More than 35 years of conciliation." Thanks to these agreements, more than 8.7 million Euros have been negotiated, which reflects the actual impact of this service on the lives of Azorean workers and employers. "Each agreement reached out of court represents not just one less court case, but above all a worker and employer who have found a consensual solution, with swiftness and dignity," stated Maria João Carreiro. "The extrajudicial resolution of conflicts," moderated by Renato Medeiros, Regional Director for Professional Qualification and Employment, featured José de Araújo Barros, Arbitrator Judge at CIMARA; Carlos Câmara, Arbitrator President of the CESA Arbitration Court; Maria José Araújo, President of SERCAT's Horta Conciliation and Arbitration Commission; and Nuno Vicente, Public Prosecutor - Sector Coordinator for Labour Jurisdiction in the Azores District. The seminar was broadcast online and is available on the Facebook page "Azores Vocational Qualification and Employment."
May 2, 2025 Building fairer, more collaborative and sustainable labour environment depends on everyone, defends Maria João Carreiro The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment reiterated the Regional Government's "firm commitment" to "continuing strengthening extrajudicial mechanisms to solve labour disputes," such as the Regional Labour Conciliation and Arbitration Service - SERCAT. At the opening of the seminar "The Extrajudicial Resolution of Labour Disputes in the Azores," which took place in Ponta Delgada, Maria João Carreiro stated that this work involves institutional support, "awareness raising among employers and workers about the advantages of conciliation and the constant improvement of the legal framework supporting these processes." "This effort needs everyone's involvement and, for this reason, I am calling on companies and unions to continue believing in dialogue as the first way forward and legal experts to recommend and facilitate mediation whenever possible," she said. The government official insisted that "only with everyone's contribution can we build a fairer, more collaborative and sustainable working environment." Therefore, extrajudicial mechanisms for labour disputes are close, accessible, efficient and humanised. "Out-of-court settlements provide quicker, less costly and often better-adapted solutions to the specifics of each case, often preserving the relationship of trust between the parties involved," she emphasised. Maria João Carreiro recalled that "labour disputes directly impact people's lives, companies’ productivity and social peace." As she pointed out, “when a dispute between an employer and a worker drags on in the courts for years, everyone loses: the worker loses, as their rights are put on hold; the employer loses, as they live in uncertainty; and society loses, as it bears the costs and delays of the judicial system.” Created 36 years ago, SERCAT operates under the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment - Regional Directorate for Vocational Training and Employment, precisely to serve as an alternative route for labour disputes. It acts as a facilitator of dialogue between Azorean workers and employers, creating pathways for understanding where there were previously only barriers. Since its inception, more than 12,300 conciliation procedures have been carried out, achieving an overall success rate of 61%, as presented by Susana Martins, Director of Labour Services, in her presentation "SERCAT - More than 35 years of conciliation." Thanks to these agreements, more than 8.7 million Euros have been negotiated, which reflects the actual impact of this service on the lives of Azorean workers and employers. "Each agreement reached out of court represents not just one less court case, but above all a worker and employer who have found a consensual solution, with swiftness and dignity," stated Maria João Carreiro. "The extrajudicial resolution of conflicts," moderated by Renato Medeiros, Regional Director for Professional Qualification and Employment, featured José de Araújo Barros, Arbitrator Judge at CIMARA; Carlos Câmara, Arbitrator President of the CESA Arbitration Court; Maria José Araújo, President of SERCAT's Horta Conciliation and Arbitration Commission; and Nuno Vicente, Public Prosecutor - Sector Coordinator for Labour Jurisdiction in the Azores District. The seminar was broadcast online and is available on the Facebook page "Azores Vocational Qualification and Employment."
Nota de Imprensa
May 2, 2025 Applications for ESTAGIAR U until May 31 Applications are now open for ESTAGIAR U, a professional traineeship programme in a real work context for young students living in the Azores and enrolled in higher education, including graduate, master and postgraduate programmes. The application period runs simultaneously for young people and promoters until May 31, through the empregojovem.azores.gov.pt portal, informed the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Vocational Training and Employment. The traineeships are one month long and can be carried out in July, August or September, starting and ending in the same month, with a maximum 25-hour working week. The working hours are identical to those of promoters, which can be private companies, cooperatives, public companies or non-profit organisations. Young people are entitled to an allowance corresponding to the Minimum Monthly Wage in the Region. This amount is reduced by 30% when trainees opt not to attend a certified training workshop with a minimum duration of 20 hours in e-learning format after-work hours covering areas such as Entrepreneurship, Personal Development, Artificial Intelligence or Media Education and Cybersecurity, according to the Order published in the Official Journal. As an alternative to training in these areas, young people can choose any other training programme certified by the entities responsible for training certification in Portugal, as long as the workload does not fall below 20 hours.
May 2, 2025 Applications for ESTAGIAR U until May 31 Applications are now open for ESTAGIAR U, a professional traineeship programme in a real work context for young students living in the Azores and enrolled in higher education, including graduate, master and postgraduate programmes. The application period runs simultaneously for young people and promoters until May 31, through the empregojovem.azores.gov.pt portal, informed the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Vocational Training and Employment. The traineeships are one month long and can be carried out in July, August or September, starting and ending in the same month, with a maximum 25-hour working week. The working hours are identical to those of promoters, which can be private companies, cooperatives, public companies or non-profit organisations. Young people are entitled to an allowance corresponding to the Minimum Monthly Wage in the Region. This amount is reduced by 30% when trainees opt not to attend a certified training workshop with a minimum duration of 20 hours in e-learning format after-work hours covering areas such as Entrepreneurship, Personal Development, Artificial Intelligence or Media Education and Cybersecurity, according to the Order published in the Official Journal. As an alternative to training in these areas, young people can choose any other training programme certified by the entities responsible for training certification in Portugal, as long as the workload does not fall below 20 hours.
Nota de Imprensa
May 2, 2025 Artur Lima emphasises "opportunities for cooperation" with Autonomous Region of Príncipe On Wednesday, the Vice-President of the Regional Government signed a cooperation protocol between the Government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the Government of the Autonomous Region of Príncipe in areas of common goals and challenges. "This is a first step that we want to be fruitful and progressive in its various actions," stated Artur Lima. The agreement that has now been reached "intends to be pragmatic, practical and feasible," with both regions having "a lot to learn from each other," he emphasised. The protocol signed between the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the Autonomous Region of Príncipe aims to promote strategic cooperation in the fields of science and technology, communications, education and training, renewable energy, the sea, the environment and agriculture. "It is a protocol of sharing and, first and foremost, the sharing of a people and all the solidarity of being an islander," noted the Vice-President of the Government. The closer ties between the Regions can be seen in "environmental protection, culture, science, tourism, the sea and agriculture. All these areas that are part of an islander's experience," he continued. "We can help a lot with energy self-sufficiency," an area in which the Azores are “investing a lot” and have “achieved tangible results,” emphasised Artur Lima. In terms of cooperation in education, "it is possible that we could collaborate on scholarships for students from Príncipe," he emphasised. The shared challenges and goals also extend to the agricultural sector: "This Government has made a huge effort to promote food self-sustainability, and this is fundamental in an autonomous region," stated Artur Lima. "Autonomy is a triumph of both peoples and we, as rulers, have a duty and an obligation to fight for it to provide the best living conditions for our populations," underlined Artur Lima after the signing of the protocol. He continued: Autonomy "is a continuous and progressive process that will never end. It must evolve. It has to make progress." The Vice-President of the Regional Government attended the celebrations for the 30th anniversary of the autonomy of the Autonomous Region of Príncipe on April 29.
May 2, 2025 Artur Lima emphasises "opportunities for cooperation" with Autonomous Region of Príncipe On Wednesday, the Vice-President of the Regional Government signed a cooperation protocol between the Government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the Government of the Autonomous Region of Príncipe in areas of common goals and challenges. "This is a first step that we want to be fruitful and progressive in its various actions," stated Artur Lima. The agreement that has now been reached "intends to be pragmatic, practical and feasible," with both regions having "a lot to learn from each other," he emphasised. The protocol signed between the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the Autonomous Region of Príncipe aims to promote strategic cooperation in the fields of science and technology, communications, education and training, renewable energy, the sea, the environment and agriculture. "It is a protocol of sharing and, first and foremost, the sharing of a people and all the solidarity of being an islander," noted the Vice-President of the Government. The closer ties between the Regions can be seen in "environmental protection, culture, science, tourism, the sea and agriculture. All these areas that are part of an islander's experience," he continued. "We can help a lot with energy self-sufficiency," an area in which the Azores are “investing a lot” and have “achieved tangible results,” emphasised Artur Lima. In terms of cooperation in education, "it is possible that we could collaborate on scholarships for students from Príncipe," he emphasised. The shared challenges and goals also extend to the agricultural sector: "This Government has made a huge effort to promote food self-sustainability, and this is fundamental in an autonomous region," stated Artur Lima. "Autonomy is a triumph of both peoples and we, as rulers, have a duty and an obligation to fight for it to provide the best living conditions for our populations," underlined Artur Lima after the signing of the protocol. He continued: Autonomy "is a continuous and progressive process that will never end. It must evolve. It has to make progress." The Vice-President of the Regional Government attended the celebrations for the 30th anniversary of the autonomy of the Autonomous Region of Príncipe on April 29.
Nota de Imprensa
May 2, 2025 "Agriculture is at the centre of our lives," stresses António Ventura The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, took the opportunity of his visit to Ovibeja, one of the largest agricultural fairs in the country, which this year includes the Azores as a guest region, to highlight the role of this sector in the daily lives of all citizens. "Agriculture is at the centre of our lives," he stressed, speaking at the conference “+ FUTURE, + SOCIAL IMPACT,” organised by ACOS - Southern Farmers' Association and the Baixo Alentejo Social Innovation Incubator, at which he was one of the guest speakers. The Regional Secretary called for greater media coverage of the role of agriculture in Portuguese society, praising the role of the media in disseminating positive examples in this area. He also stated that Ovibeja is an excellent place for the Azores to showcase its agrifood products, pointing out the similarities between the region and Alentejo. "The Azores Brand has a range of products here for sale and presentation so that everyone can get to know our region better. Behind every product there is a story," he said. The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, through the Azores Brand Management and Promotion Office, is present at Ovibeja, which runs until Sunday. The Azores' presence involves two specific spaces permanently, including an institutional stand and a space for the sale of Azores brand-certified products, under the responsibility of a commercial establishment joining the initiative. Ovibeja is one of the largest agricultural fairs in the country. According to its organisation, it is a space for resilience, innovation and building bridges between generations, companies and stakeholders committed to sustainable agricultural development. The fair is open to different target audiences and aims to continue to establish itself as a strategic platform for the future of agriculture in Portugal, promoting reflection and innovation every year. Each year, Ovibeja features about 1,000 exhibitors and 100 thousand visitors. It is organised by ACOS - Southern Farmers' Association.
May 2, 2025 "Agriculture is at the centre of our lives," stresses António Ventura The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, took the opportunity of his visit to Ovibeja, one of the largest agricultural fairs in the country, which this year includes the Azores as a guest region, to highlight the role of this sector in the daily lives of all citizens. "Agriculture is at the centre of our lives," he stressed, speaking at the conference “+ FUTURE, + SOCIAL IMPACT,” organised by ACOS - Southern Farmers' Association and the Baixo Alentejo Social Innovation Incubator, at which he was one of the guest speakers. The Regional Secretary called for greater media coverage of the role of agriculture in Portuguese society, praising the role of the media in disseminating positive examples in this area. He also stated that Ovibeja is an excellent place for the Azores to showcase its agrifood products, pointing out the similarities between the region and Alentejo. "The Azores Brand has a range of products here for sale and presentation so that everyone can get to know our region better. Behind every product there is a story," he said. The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, through the Azores Brand Management and Promotion Office, is present at Ovibeja, which runs until Sunday. The Azores' presence involves two specific spaces permanently, including an institutional stand and a space for the sale of Azores brand-certified products, under the responsibility of a commercial establishment joining the initiative. Ovibeja is one of the largest agricultural fairs in the country. According to its organisation, it is a space for resilience, innovation and building bridges between generations, companies and stakeholders committed to sustainable agricultural development. The fair is open to different target audiences and aims to continue to establish itself as a strategic platform for the future of agriculture in Portugal, promoting reflection and innovation every year. Each year, Ovibeja features about 1,000 exhibitors and 100 thousand visitors. It is organised by ACOS - Southern Farmers' Association.
Nota de Imprensa
May 1, 2025 Maria João Carreiro announces "Digital Youth" with over 10 thousand Euros to support youth associations "Digital Youth - Local Training Workshops in Digital Skills’ is the new programme of the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth, to support the creation of training spaces at the headquarters of youth associations, or similar, as Maria João Carreiro announced this Wednesday in Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island. The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment spoke at the opening of the 2nd edition of "Associations Talks," which took place at Arquipélago - Contemporary Arts Centre, as part of Youth Associations Day. According to her, the regulations for this new programme will be published on Monday, May 5, in the Official Journal, followed by the publication of the orders defining the application periods. The "Digital Youth" programme provides two types of support that can total 10,850.00 Euros per association. One measure will co-finance 95% of the purchase of laptops, software and internet services, which could amount to 8,100.00 Euros, whilst another measure will finance the development of short-term training units in digital skills for young people. In the case of the latter, support is granted for each hour of training, ranging between 40 and 50 Euros, up to a maximum of 2,500.00 Euros. As for the costs of computer consumables, support services, maintenance or other essentials for carrying out the training, the support can reach a maximum amount of 250 Euros. Young people aged between 12 and 24, or up to the age of 30 if part of social inclusion or reintegration projects, can benefit from the ‘Digital Youth’ programme. Promoting organisations include youth associations, similar associations, youth associations and others with an activity plan for young people. Training will be provided by the regional Vocational Schools and Certified Training Entities. "This programme will make an important contribution to opening up the headquarters of youth associations to more young people, who can and should find spaces to exercise citizenship, socialise and learn in areas such as digital technologies. They are also a challenge in terms of good democratic living as well as responsible, plural and inclusive participation," explained Maria João Carreiro. Also to encourage wider participation by different audiences in the activities of the associations, the "Itinerary of Associations" will be created on the Azores Youth portal, available at juventude.azores.gov.pt, she announced. This "Itinerary" will disseminate the activities of regional youth associations, "which will certainly make these activities more visible and encourage community participation in the life of these associations," she said. "The diversity and importance of the associations' activities deserve to be made known and reach even more young people. As far as we, the Regional Government, are concerned, you can count on our collaboration for this good publicity," stated Maria João Carreiro. The Regional Secretary also expressed the Regional Government's recognition of each regional youth association for their "invaluable merits" and "strategic contribution" to community development, occupation and empowerment of young people, volunteering, creativity and innovation, environmental awareness and the promotion of Human Rights. "Youth associations in the Azores are alive and kicking," praised the government official. She pointed out that the funding for youth associations’ activity plans has increased from about 83 thousand Euros in 2019 to 150 thousand Euros in 2025, i.e. double the investment, as a result of the improvements that the PSD/CDS/PPM coalition made to the incentive systems for youth associations. During the "Associations Talks," and before the presentation "Associations: From Personal Belief to Social Mission" by Rita Saias, former President of the National Youth Council, a tribute was paid to Leonardo Sousa, who passed away recently, with the posthumous award of the Diploma of Merit. The latter acknowledged his "excellent contribution to associations on the island of São Miguel and his efforts and continued work in developing activities in the areas of youth promotion, civic participation and community involvement of young people." This was followed by the round table discussion "Associations in Youth" moderated by journalist Sara Oliveira. It featured Hugo Medeiros, from the Scout Association of Portugal (AEP); Mariana Pedro, from the Portuguese Association of Guides (AGP); José Carlos Pimentel, from the National Scouts Corps (CNE); Micaela Pimentel, from ICHTUS - Porto Judeu Youth Association; and Lizandra Silva, from AJIFA, Faial Island Youth Association. The "9 Circos Association" and the "VengaGirls" dance group provided cultural moments at a meeting that celebrated youth associations on Youth Associations Day.
May 1, 2025 Maria João Carreiro announces "Digital Youth" with over 10 thousand Euros to support youth associations "Digital Youth - Local Training Workshops in Digital Skills’ is the new programme of the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth, to support the creation of training spaces at the headquarters of youth associations, or similar, as Maria João Carreiro announced this Wednesday in Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island. The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment spoke at the opening of the 2nd edition of "Associations Talks," which took place at Arquipélago - Contemporary Arts Centre, as part of Youth Associations Day. According to her, the regulations for this new programme will be published on Monday, May 5, in the Official Journal, followed by the publication of the orders defining the application periods. The "Digital Youth" programme provides two types of support that can total 10,850.00 Euros per association. One measure will co-finance 95% of the purchase of laptops, software and internet services, which could amount to 8,100.00 Euros, whilst another measure will finance the development of short-term training units in digital skills for young people. In the case of the latter, support is granted for each hour of training, ranging between 40 and 50 Euros, up to a maximum of 2,500.00 Euros. As for the costs of computer consumables, support services, maintenance or other essentials for carrying out the training, the support can reach a maximum amount of 250 Euros. Young people aged between 12 and 24, or up to the age of 30 if part of social inclusion or reintegration projects, can benefit from the ‘Digital Youth’ programme. Promoting organisations include youth associations, similar associations, youth associations and others with an activity plan for young people. Training will be provided by the regional Vocational Schools and Certified Training Entities. "This programme will make an important contribution to opening up the headquarters of youth associations to more young people, who can and should find spaces to exercise citizenship, socialise and learn in areas such as digital technologies. They are also a challenge in terms of good democratic living as well as responsible, plural and inclusive participation," explained Maria João Carreiro. Also to encourage wider participation by different audiences in the activities of the associations, the "Itinerary of Associations" will be created on the Azores Youth portal, available at juventude.azores.gov.pt, she announced. This "Itinerary" will disseminate the activities of regional youth associations, "which will certainly make these activities more visible and encourage community participation in the life of these associations," she said. "The diversity and importance of the associations' activities deserve to be made known and reach even more young people. As far as we, the Regional Government, are concerned, you can count on our collaboration for this good publicity," stated Maria João Carreiro. The Regional Secretary also expressed the Regional Government's recognition of each regional youth association for their "invaluable merits" and "strategic contribution" to community development, occupation and empowerment of young people, volunteering, creativity and innovation, environmental awareness and the promotion of Human Rights. "Youth associations in the Azores are alive and kicking," praised the government official. She pointed out that the funding for youth associations’ activity plans has increased from about 83 thousand Euros in 2019 to 150 thousand Euros in 2025, i.e. double the investment, as a result of the improvements that the PSD/CDS/PPM coalition made to the incentive systems for youth associations. During the "Associations Talks," and before the presentation "Associations: From Personal Belief to Social Mission" by Rita Saias, former President of the National Youth Council, a tribute was paid to Leonardo Sousa, who passed away recently, with the posthumous award of the Diploma of Merit. The latter acknowledged his "excellent contribution to associations on the island of São Miguel and his efforts and continued work in developing activities in the areas of youth promotion, civic participation and community involvement of young people." This was followed by the round table discussion "Associations in Youth" moderated by journalist Sara Oliveira. It featured Hugo Medeiros, from the Scout Association of Portugal (AEP); Mariana Pedro, from the Portuguese Association of Guides (AGP); José Carlos Pimentel, from the National Scouts Corps (CNE); Micaela Pimentel, from ICHTUS - Porto Judeu Youth Association; and Lizandra Silva, from AJIFA, Faial Island Youth Association. The "9 Circos Association" and the "VengaGirls" dance group provided cultural moments at a meeting that celebrated youth associations on Youth Associations Day.
