1. By learning you will teach, by teaching you will learn Vocational System in Portugal

2. Portuguese educational system does not have a definition for “general education”. However, the international definition is generally accepted: “Education which, in its choice of subject matter, does not envisage any kind of specialisation with a view to preparing students to work in a particular sector”. The Basic Law of the Education System (LBSE) divides the educational system into pre-school education, school education and extra-school education.

3. Basic education is universal, compulsory and free and lasts twelve school years, beginning at the age of six and ending at the age of 18. It comprises four sequential and progressive cycles (1st cycle lasts four years; 2nd cycle, two years; 3rd cycle lasts three years and upper secondary education lasts three years) and its successful completion leads to a diploma certifying completion of basic compulsory education and a level 3 or 4 qualification according to the NQF. Upper secondary education lasts three years, comprises a single cycle and begins at the age of 15. It is structured into differentiated pathways, thus including two branches between which students can switch: General education – courses in sciences and humanities, aimed at pursuing studies at higher education level. IVET – vocational course apprenticeship courses, education and training courses for young people, specialised art courses, adult education and training courses. The Portuguese education system offers post-secondary non-tertiary education courses since the creation of the Technological Specialisation Courses [Cursos de Especialização Tecnológica CET]. Technological Specialization Courses are defined as post-secondary non- tertiary education courses aimed at the acquisition of a level 4 qualification

4. Professional/training courses in Portugal In Portugal there is no strict Vocational System. Everything is based on training courses offered by schools. Students after completeing 12th grade can choose a type of Training/Professional course they are interested in. For three years they study and after the course is completed, students take an exam (state one) Passing the exam is proved by receiving a Professional Certificate and it allows students to continue their studies at Univeristy (General ones or Technical)

5. Types of Profesional Trainings The types of Professional trainings offered by Secondary Schools vary. Everything depends on the demand of the market. The most popular courses students undertake are the following: Electricity Car mechanics Machine Mechanics Accountancy Nursery Solar Energy Hairdressing Sport Architect Technician Civil Construction Electronics Computing Equipment Design Multimedia Administration Marketing Environment and Territory Order Social Action Social Animation

6. Vocational Practice/Stages While studing and completeing a vocational course, students are obliged to undergo a practical stage within a company (600 hours during the study years). It is the headmaster’s/headmistress’ task to keep a tight cooperation between the companies where students have their practice and the school. Very often, students perform their stages abroad which is allowed on the basis of different European programs.