Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Portugal (Ratification: 1981)

The Committee notes the observations of the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers–National Trade Unions (CGTP–IN) and the General Workers' Union (UGT), transmitted with the Government’s report. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.

Articles 1–4 of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training. The Committee notes with interest the set of measures undertaken by the Government with a view to developing the workforce and adapting it to the requirements of the labour market. The Government refers, among other measures, to the adoption in October 2013 of the Cross-cutting Training Programme for job activation and jobseeking techniques, which sets out the activities to be implemented by the Employment and Vocational Training Institute (IEFP) to improve the employability of unemployed people and to provide them with support in relation to entrepreneurship. It also refers to the implementation of the Youth Guarantee Programme since January 2014, which includes coordinated strategies and guidelines concerning vocational guidance, vocational training and employment for young people under the age of 30 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). The Programme includes, among its objectives, the development of vocational guidance structures and systems, as well as the promotion of education and training at different qualification levels to improve the skills profiles of young people. In March 2014, 241 Centres for Qualification and Vocational Education (CQEP) were established in different educational institutions to bridge gaps between education, training and employment. The CQEP provides information and personalized guidance to youth and adults, including vocational training, certificates which have double validity (educational and vocational) and related educational opportunities. In 2015, the Qualification Needs Anticipation System (SANQ) was created to provide a comprehensive analysis of skills supply and demand with the aim of defining training options and updating the National Catalogue of Qualifications. Based on the cited analyses, the SANQ developed the Portal of Qualifications, which provides information to various interested parties with regard to vocational training and other educational opportunities, as well as in relation to their employment prospects. The Government adds that measures were carried out to reduce school drop-out rates, including dissemination activities on the education and vocational training system to encourage youth participation. In this regard, the Committee notes that, according to the 2015 Education and Training Monitor of the European Commission, Portugal has significantly reduced its early school leaving rate, and tertiary education attainment has greatly improved. Enrolment in vocational education and training has continued to increase and a first set of new short-cycle higher technical courses (TeSP) were launched during the 2014–15 academic year. In its observations, the UGT indicates that investment dropped with respect to continuing vocational training and retraining, as well as recognition and validation of competencies acquired. In addition, the UGT indicates that there is widespread non-compliance on the part of employers, who do not observe the workers’ right to 35 annual hours of vocational training. The UGT adds that this has had a significant impact due to the large number of adults in the labour market that have not completed secondary education. The UGT also points out that the IEFP lacks the necessary human resources to ensure its proper functioning. Finally, the CGTP–IN indicates that the CQEP does not function properly due to its limited number and lack of staff. The UGT adds that it is necessary to provide vocational training services for the employed through the public employment services, and to develop a statistical information system in relation to vocational training. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex on the impact of the policies and programmes implemented in relation to vocational guidance and training.

Article 5. Cooperation of the social partners. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that employers’ and workers’ organizations participate in the Standing Committee for Social Dialogue of the Economic and Social Council with regard to the formulation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training. Furthermore, the social partners participate in the adoption of the strategic action plan of the IEFP and of the Vocational Training and Employment Centres through their respective Advisory Councils at the regional and local levels. Finally, the Government indicates that the social partners are members of the Coordinated Committee charged with the implementation and evaluation of the Youth Guarantee Programme. In its observations, the CGTP–IN requests the reestablishment of the National VET Council, which was the body responsible for the formulation, coordination and implementation of vocational training policies and programmes. The CGTP–IN and the UGT further indicates that the social partners are consulted within the cited bodies, but they do not have the capacity to influence the policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training. The Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information on the manner in which the representative organizations of employers and workers have been consulted in the formulation, implementation and monitoring of vocational training and vocational guidance policies and programmes.