IEFP - Instituto de Emprego e Formação Profissional ( Institute for Employment and Vocational Training

The Institute for Employment and Vocational Training is the Portuguese public employment service and was established in 1979. It works under the auspices of the Ministry of Solidarity, Employment and Social Security, being responsible for implementing the employment and vocational training policies defined and approved by the Government. The 5 Regional Delegations distributed throughout the country in accordance with the regions set up by the Regional Coordination Commissions incorporate 86 Job Centres, 31 Directly Managed Vocational Training Centres, 1 Vocational Rehabilitation Centre and 8 Business Creation Support Centres. It offers information regarding legislation on equal opportunities and treatment for men and women, non-discrimination, labour rights, family policies and parental rights, as well as the main training guides concerning these issues. The institute also publishes studies related to its mission.