Curriculum, subjects, number of hours

Specialised technological courses

The organisation of the specialised technological courses (Cursos de Especialização Tecnológica – CET) taught in non-tertiary institutions is based on the level 5 National Qualifications Framework (Quadro Nacional de Qualificações - QNQ).

The duration of specialised technological courses is between 1 225 and 1 575 hours, which is the total contact hours of general and scientific training, technological training and the hours involved in the work-based training. The training plan is made up of the following components:

• General and scientific training component - this focusses on acquiring and developing knowledge, aptitudes and attitudes that complement and support the learning in the technological component.
• Technological training component - this focusses on the acquisition and development of knowledge, skills and attitudes that match the defined professional profile and/or competence framework associated with the respective qualification, underpinned by technological and sectoral specialisation with a high level of professional qualification.
• Workplace training component - this applies and consolidates the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired via activities in a work context, or with other employers.

The CET can be organised in the form of alternance training and can be undertaken via distance learning in English or another language.

Apprenticeship+ courses

Apprenticeship+ courses are dual certification education and use an alternance course approach linked to competence and training reference frameworks associated with a level 5 qualification (National Qualifications Framework) that are part of the National Qualifications Catalogue (CNQ).

The curricular structure of the Apprenticeship+ courses boasts the following training components, which can be undertaken totally or partially via distance learning:

• General and scientific training component - this focusses on acquiring and developing knowledge, aptitudes and attitudes that complement and support the learning in the technological component
• Technological training component - this focusses on the acquisition and development of knowledge, skills and attitudes that match the defined professional profile and/or competence framework associated with the respective qualification, underpinned by technological and sectoral specialisation with a high level of professional qualification.
• Workplace training component - this applies and consolidates the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired via activities in a work context, or with other employers.

These courses have a workload that varies between 1 325 and 1 675 hours, divided into training components. In addition to the Apprenticeship+ course workload, there are up to 18 hours for practical project work. The weekly workload should be established between 30 and 35 hours and cannot exceed 6 or 7 hours daily respectively.

Teaching methods and materials

Specialised technological courses

The presentation of specific methodological and assessment guidelines for each CET and the indication of the available resources and materials must be included in the CET application for authorisation and vary depending on the course.

As a rule, theoretical lectures alternate with practical sessions consisting of the presentation of group work.

The link between "knowing" and "know-how" is emphasised. When planned, the training should articulate the different training components, thus ensuring learning occurs in an integrated and interdisciplinary way.

In the practical classes, which are part of the technical component, there is considerable individual and group work, as well as project work.

Vocational education methodologies are developed in which the teaching/learning process is based on learning skills. This is supervised, experimental and active learning.

There are no guidelines regarding the production and selection of teaching materials.

Apprenticeship+ courses

The methodological guidelines and organisational, technical and pedagogical procedures for the training are drawn up by IEFP, I. P. and are part of the regulations for apprenticeship courses and Apprenticeship+ courses, which are available on IEFP, I. P. website.

There are no guidelines regarding the production and selection of learning materials.