Professional education is quality education in Porto

The Mayor of Porto, Rui Moreira, paid a visit to the Artistic and Professional School Árvore, established in the city historic area in 1989, and a reference school in professional teaching and learning in the city.

In the beginning of the school year, the Mayor and the Councillor for Education wanted to formalise the municipal approach to professional education institutions in the city. Also, this was the moment to award the winners of the Municipal Project "Descobre Outra Cidade" [Discover another city, free translation].

The work "bePorto", carried out by Students of the Árvore Artistic and Professional School won the municipal competition, whose topic umbrella was Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism in Porto.

Professional schools provide specialized training through which participants acquire content knowledge and learn to apply techniques. Also, this type of curriculum includes incorporating the knowledge and values basic to a professional discipline; understanding the central concepts and techniques applied in practice; and attaining a level of competence necessary for responsible entry into professional practice.

The Mayor Rui Moreira and Councillor for Education, Fernando Paulo, wanted to see first-hand the significance of advancing professional knowledge and improving standards of practice.

"Professional education is a key component of the education system and a key instrument for boosting innovation in education", stated Rui Moreira during the visit.

Councillor for Education, Fernando Paulo, explained that this approach and close cooperation with Professional Education programmes and institutions is in line with the municipal education project. "This is done through different ways of cooperation, namely supporting professional learning and teaching, (?) and working together to provide the city a suitable educational offer, adjusted to the labour market."

The school offers courses in the areas of multimedia, 2D/3D Animation, Graphic Design, 3D Digital Design, Equipment Design, Fashion Design, and Fashion Coordination and Production.

There are 29 schools that provide professional education, 18 of which are Professional private schools and 11 are state schools with professional training.