Computer giant Microsoft has its sights on Portugal. It is not only launching a training programme that will offer young people as many as 2,000 jobs nationwide this year, it has signed a new agreement with the government to offer special software courses in 30 job centres.
The courses should give 12,000 unemployed youngsters the kick-start they need into the job market every year, said employment minister Pedro Mota Soares.
Signing the groundbreaking agreement in Lisbon last week, Soares revealed the government is investing €100,000 on stocking the new courses.
Meantime, Microsoft will be offering its own technology courses in Portugal aimed at creating nearly 2,000 jobs this year, and up to 10,000 in the next three years.
Ativar Portugal is already up and running and anyone interested can sign up via www.ativarportugal.pt
“The course is structured with various levels of training. Anyone can learn about technology and obtain a certificate, even without prior knowledge,” said general director of Microsoft Portugal João Couto.
Welcoming the initiative, Economy Minister Pires de Lima said: “Microsoft is a good example of an international private company that has committed to Portugal,” stressing the corporation “has already invested a total of €300 million in the Portuguese economy”.
