The Algarve 2030 Regional Programme allocates around 10 million euros to support Higher Professional Technical Courses (CTeSP) taught by the University of Algarve.
The Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR), the entity that manages European funds in the region, highlights that “in the Algarve, the enrollment rate in higher education is 25,4%, in contrast to 42,8% in the country”.
Therefore, “with a view to strengthening qualifications, within the scope of higher education, the European Funds managed in the ALGARVE 2030 Regional Programme allocate a significant portion of the ESF+ allocation” to CTeSP.
This instrument “directly contributes to attracting new audiences to higher education, particularly those coming from secondary level vocational training pathways”, he adds.
The CTeSP mobilization aims to “increase the number of young people attending higher education and promote the success/completion of this level of education, by reinforcing the offer of secondary and higher level qualifications, primarily in STEAM areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) aligned with the strategic domains of the Regional Strategy for Smart Specialization”, he further explains.
This is a response driven by the University of Algarve and developed in collaboration with regional public and private employers, which has been experiencing growth dynamics.
The mandatory completion of curricular internships within the scope of CTeSP constitutes a reinforcement of its connection to the business sector, of adjusting the offer to the needs of this sector, being an essential contribution to the improvement of the competitiveness of companies and economic diversification.
To date, €1,3 million from the ESF+ has been provided to support the 2022-2024 and 2023-2025 training cycles, covering a total of 422 students enrolled in 11 CTeSP aligned with the Regional Smart Specialisation Strategy. This support will continue in the training cycles until 2027-2029.
From a complementary perspective, the ALGARVE 2030 Regional Programme also plans to support, through the ERDF, the creation, expansion or modernisation of higher education infrastructures and equipment.
The construction of a new “digital building” is planned at the Gambelas Campus and, in the Barlavento Algarvio, the construction of a new building that will create conditions to double the number of students and to diversify the CTeSP training offer in STEAM areas.
The expected contributions from the mobilization of CTeSP are the reduction of the rate of NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) young people, the increase in the rate of higher education of the population, the reinforcement of the number of graduates in Science & Technology areas.
«With the support of European Funds, the aim is to broaden the social base of higher education, in order to attract new audiences, guarantee equal access and completion of education and training in higher education, and expand the dynamics observed at the level of CteSP», adds CCDR Algarve.
This September, the opening of a new notice addressed to CTeSP.
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