As the Azores mark half a century of political autonomy, Luís Garcia is placing education and workforce qualification at the center of the Region’s development story.

During a recent visit to the Centro de Qualificação dos Açores, located in Capelas, Garcia underscored the critical role institutions like this one have played in shaping the modern Azores. The visit is part of a broader island-wide tour recognizing organizations that, like Autonomy itself, will celebrate 50 years of activity in 2026.

Touring the facilities, Garcia highlighted the center’s wide-ranging capabilities—from technical workshops to specialized laboratories—designed to serve a diverse population, including young people beginning their professional paths and adults seeking to upgrade their skills.

He praised the modernization of the center’s infrastructure and equipment, noting that it now offers “distinctive conditions within the Region.” With training areas spanning mechatronics, automotive mechanics, construction, hospitality, healthcare, information technology, and services, the center provides what he described as “education closely aligned with real-world demands and today’s workforce needs.”

Marking the 50th anniversary of Azorean Autonomy, Garcia reflected on the Region’s broader development, emphasizing the “decisive role” of education and skills-building in fostering “a more qualified and cohesive society.” Continuous investment in these areas, he said, has been essential in strengthening the capabilities of Azoreans and advancing the islands’ social and economic progress.

The visit is part of an initiative launched in March on Terceira Island, aimed at recognizing the enduring contributions of local institutions in shaping Azorean identity—an identity deeply tied to resilience, opportunity, and the transformative power of education.

Translated and adapted from Press Release