Este projeto consiste numa assessoria científica destinada ao desenvolvimento da Agenda para a Qualificação Profissional - Açores 2030. Este documento será um instrumento orientador das políticas públicas de formação profissional na Região Autónoma dos Açores ao nível: (a) do desenvolvimento de um ecossistema colaborativo entre entidades públicas e privadas que sustente essas políticas; (b) da promoção de uma representação social positiva do setor; e (c) da elevação dos padrões de qualidade do ensino e formação profissional da região. O trabalho de consultadoria envolverá: (1) a dinamização de aproximadamente 20 sessões participadas com os atores do setor, para auscultação de prioridades e soluções para o ensino profissional a inscrever na agenda; (2) apoio à preparação do principal evento público da iniciativa - O Fórum Regional para a Qualificação Profissional; e (3) a redação dos dois documentos orientadores - a Agenda para a Qualificação Profissional - Açores 2030 e o respetivo sumário executivo. 

This proposal encompasses the creation of a European-led multidisciplinary network from countries showing higher NEET youth rates in rural areas. Rural NEETs’ Youth Network (RNYN) aims at developing a model of comprehension for rural NEETs’ social exclusion risk and protective factors based on the bioecological model. It focuses on three specific goals: (1) upholding future research capability, with an emphasis on Early Stage Researchers (ESR) and Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC); (2) creating a rural NEETs’ online observatory; and (3) fostering knowledge use by policy makers and practitioners. The RNYN work plan will be produced by 4 working groups; it will contribute to define a coherent model for future research, based on an intensive survey of national and cross-national trends regarding rural NEETs’ profile and support systems, as well as methodological and intervention best-practices in the field. RNYN added value stems from an eclectic theoretical, disciplinary, institutional and international approach and in upskilling ESR in ITC that are more affected by high rural NEET rates. In the long run, RNYN’s scientific impact will lead to the creation of a rural NEETs’ observatory, integrating ESR in a broad multidisciplinary community and strengthening the COST Inclusiveness Policy. Long-term socio-economic impact is expected to be translated into (in)ternational legislation to tackle rural NEETs’ needs and promote sectoral innovations. RNYN is a timely proposal by creating networks/platforms to organize findings, connect critical mass dealing with rural NEETs and build up research capacity. It is also socially relevant, by aiming at informing policies and on-the-ground practices.

The labor force in agriculture is declining across Europe. This trend translates into an ageing problem in the sector. Nevertheless, food goods demand is increasing across the globe. European broadband policies such as the Common Agriculture Policy have prevented a rejuvenation of the sector by imposing implicit restrictions to the involvement in the sector of youths who do not have a family background in agriculture. Among them are youths aged between 15 and 34 years old who are excluded from education, employment or training (NEET). The latest figures show that NEETs proportion is higher in rural regions compared to urban and suburban areas across the European Union. These figures may point out to a win-win opportunity. Not only rural NEETs may find a solution to unemployment in agriculture, they might also help to solve  the sector’s job shortage problem. NEETs representations regarding agricultural activities and how their perspectives may facilitate or prevent their involvement in the sector is warranted. Rather surprisingly, this line of inquiry remains unanswered in the literature. It also remains unclear how much do these impressions shift, after a short-term training experience and how this can inform professionals and organizations to improve training practices. The general aim of this study was to explore low-qualified, rural NEETs representations about agriculture. The specific aims: (a) to understand how these youths representations are facilitators/barriers to the involvement in the agriculture sector; and (b) to offer guidelines on how training packages can lead to positive representations about agriculture among rural NEETs and, thus, promote their involvement in the area. 

Esta projeto envolve a criação do observatório da educação da Lezíria do Tejo. O projeto está dividido em duas prioridades. A primeira delas envolve a investigação e a avaliação do fenómeno do abandono escolar e do sucesso escolar na Comunidade Intermunicipal da Lezíria do Tejo. A segunda prioridade implica avaliar as diferentes ações constantes do plano integrado e inovador de combate ao insucesso escolar da Lezíria do Tejo.