"Excellence in training" is priority for the Azores, says José Manuel Bolieiro - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired the opening session of the international conference "Excellence in Vocational Education and Training on the European Islands: New Paths, Promising Future," marking the formal start of the European OVER-SEES project.

The event brings together, for the first time, the 15 institutional partners of the international consortium, from four island regions of the European Union: the Azores, the West-Ireland Region, the Aegean Islands (Greece) and Sicily (Italy). The consortium is coordinated by ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon and led by Francisco Simões, a researcher at the Centre for Psychological Research and Social Intervention (CIS-ISCTE).

The Autonomous Region of the Azores is participating through the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, via the Regional Directorate for Vocational Training and Employment. The application to create a Vocational Centre of Excellence was approved by the European Commission in a 48-month project with an overall investment of about four million Euros.

The OVER-SEES project aims to promote excellence in vocational education and training as a tool for economic and social transformation, bringing together people, companies, training organisations and public governance in an innovative cooperation model. The main goal is to accelerate the dual transition - digital and ecological - in line with the Smart Specialisation strategies (RIS3) of the island regions involved.

"This project places the Azores and the other participating regions as benchmarks in the European Union for vocational excellence," stated José Manuel Bolieiro.

He added: "We trust young Azoreans. We want them to have access to the best possible training, to put down roots here, and to build a promising future in the Azores."

Among the strategic sectors highlighted are sustainable agriculture, rural tourism, renewable energy sources and digital transformation, key areas for the development of the new island economies.

The head of the Azorean Government underlined the progress already made in terms of training and integrating young people in the Azores. The number of students opting for vocational education has been growing: from 715 in 2019/2020 to 946 in 2024/2025, with 1,103 new students expected to join next school year, spread over 54 courses.

"Our strategic commitment is paying off. Young Azoreans are increasingly committed to their education and are aware of the opportunities they can build here, in their homeland," he said.

Another relevant indicator is the reduction in the rate of young NEETs (not in Employment, Education or Training), which fell from 20.7 % at the end of 2020 to 11.2 % in 2024 - a reduction of about 5,400 young people in this situation.

José Manuel Bolieiro also stressed that the Azores joining the OVER-SEES project "strengthens" the goals of the Azores 2030 Operational Programme, with a direct impact on lifelong learning, the modernisation of vocational education and employability.

"Our goal is clear: we must no longer be a Region of needs but a Region of opportunities. Excellence in training is the key to responding to the challenges of the ecological and digital transition, and to recognising the role of young people in the sustainable development of our island communities," stated the President of the Regional Government. 

The session was also attended by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, the Regional Secretary for Education, Culture and Sport, Sofia Ribeiro, and the President of the Economic and Social Council of the Azores, Piedade Lalanda. Also present were the Vice-Rector of the University of the Azores, Suzana Caldeira, the Vice-Rector of ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon, Helena Carreiras, and the Coordinator of the OVER-SEES Project, Francisco Simões.

Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government