The Secretary of State for Professional Training and Employment, Bendito de Freitas, recognizes that professional training is, as in other countries, one of the commitments of the Government.

The Secretariat of State for Professional Training and Employment (SoSPTE), which is the central organ of the government whose mission is to design, implement, coordinate and evaluate the policies for this area, is committed to ensuring access of the Timorese to professional training, enabling everyone to acquire and constantly update knowledge and skills to enter and / or remain working.

In 2008, the Government created the FEFOP (Fund for Employment and Professional Training) that supports initiatives to generate immediate employment through professional training, entrepreneurship training, partnerships with micro-credits institutes, on-the-job training and support to their first job.

The SoSPTE has three directorates, according to the Government’s priorities and policies for professional training: the National Directorate of Professional Training, the National Directorate of Work Relations and the National Directorate of Employment.

Within Professional Training, three bodies of indirect State administration were created: the National Centre for Employment and Professional Training of Tibar (CNEFP), the National Institute for Hand Work Development (INDMO) and the National Center for Industrial Learning (SENAI). The CNEFP, in cooperation with the Government of Portugal, and the SENAI, in cooperation with the Government of Brazil, support the creation and implementation of national training and employment programs.

The INDMO defines the competence standards and establishes a professional training certification system, according to national and international standards.

Under the responsibility of the latter, four subcommittees were developed to encompass the priority areas of professional training. Since 2008 the Government has undertaken efforts to conduct the professional training system in order to meet the needs and demands not only of Timor-Leste but also in other countries. Since then, the Government has trained more than 7000 workers in several areas.

The CNEFP develops training in the areas of construction, carpentry, electricity, plumbing and masonry. The SENAI also focus on training in the same areas but also in information technology, sewing, industry, bakery and hydraulics. This year trainers are being prepared so that next year training can be given on refrigeration, motorcycle mechanics and computer maintenance.

These are the key areas for the country’s development, to meet the priority job demands in what concerns professional training policy in Timor-Leste.

It is the Government’s constant concern to provide capacity to its citizens so they can have skills that allow them entry into and actively participate in the labor market. Worker training makes them competitive within the company and increases their value professionally.