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1. Youth employment measures

2. Flexicurity measures focusing on young people

3. Reconciliation of private and working life for young people

4. Funding of existing schemes/initiatives

5. Quality assurance

Youth employment measures

Support for young entrepreneurs includes programmes like Support to Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment, Youth COOP, and the “Trajetos” Programme.

Working abroad

The EURES Network: is a European cooperation network of employment services in all the EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. EURES facilitates the free movement of workers by providing information and employment support services to workers and employers, and by enhancing cooperation and information exchange between its member organisations.

The main goals of EURES are:

• to improve transparency and information on job opportunities as well as living and working conditions across borders;

• to provide assistance for job placements and recruitment across borders;

• to facilitate cooperation between its member organisations and with stakeholders.

EURES provides two main services:

• A network of close to 1000 EURES advisers active in 31 countries, providing online and in-person services on labour mobility in the EU, and assistance for recruitment and job placements. EURES staff is also present in cross-border regions, providing information to cross-border workers and employers on issues such as social security, insurance or taxation.
• The EURES Job Mobility Portal offers job vacancies available through EURES members and partners, providing recruitment resources for job seekers and employers.

EURES also offers:

• Targeted Mobility schemes assisting recruitment in specific sectors or countries, or supporting specific groups of workers (EURES TMS);
• European Job Days, online recruitment events that bring jobseekers and employers together.

(see also sub-chapter 3.7 – Cross-Border Mobility in Employment, Entrepreneurship and Vocational Opportunities)

The EURES network is a service also integrated in the Youth Guarantee.

Outreach strategies

The Youth Guarantee Platform and social media channels help pre-register and inform young people about employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Information is also disseminated through the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth's online portal and regional offices.

Flexicurity measures focusing on young people

The Support Measure for Geographic Mobility in the Labour Market promotes job offers and workforce redistribution. IEFP and ISS support hiring unemployed and disadvantaged groups, with employers benefiting from Social Security contribution exemptions for hiring young people.

Student Worker Statute

Regulated by the Labour Code, this statute provides benefits for employees who are also students, including flexible working hours and leave for exams.

Reconciliation of private and working life for young people

Promotion of Gender Equality in Labour Market

To promote gender equality, hiring supports are increased for recruiting unemployed people from the underrepresented gender in a profession (less than 33.3% representation). This aims to encourage young people to choose professions based on vocation, free from gender stereotypes.

Social Support for parents (fathers and mothers) who study

It defines social and school support measures for studying parents to combat school dropout and failure, promoting youth education.

Quality assurance

At European Level

The European Commission's 2016 report on the Youth Guarantee in Portugal highlighted the need for improved monitoring and follow-up. In 2023, the Policy Analysis Group reviewed the Youth Guarantee's implementation, noting Portugal's low NEET rates (8.4%) and effective measures, though improvements in policy impact assessments are needed.

At National Level

The Youth Guarantee is monitored by IEFP, I.P., using effectiveness, efficiency, and quality indicators. Public entities involved in the Youth Guarantee are evaluated annually. The Implementation Plan includes a Coordination and Monitoring Commission led by the Minister of Labour. Workshops and studies focus on improving strategies for young NEETs, addressing challenges, and enhancing local action plans.

Monitoring and evaluation of Youth Guarantee

Youth Guarantee measures are monitored under EU regulations and Portugal 2020 Operational Plans. Evaluations of the Youth Employment Initiative's implementation, effectiveness, and impact are ongoing.