{"id":10338,"date":"2026-07-08T07:14:26","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T07:14:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veilles-affaires-sociales.fr\/?p=10338"},"modified":"2026-07-09T11:54:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T11:54:17","slug":"portugal-qualifications-plan-strengthens-skills-in-rural-fire-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veilles-affaires-sociales.fr\/?p=10338","title":{"rendered":"Portugal: qualifications plan strengthens skills in rural fire management"},"content":{"rendered":"

In May 2026, Portugal approved the\u00a0National Qualifications Plan for the Integrated Rural Fire Management System (PNQ-SGIFR),<\/a>\u00a0for the period 2025-2030, which sets out a comprehensive framework to qualify professionals involved in all phases of rural fire management, from prevention and preparedness to response and recovery.<\/p>\n

This initiative responds to the increasing challenges associated with climate change and the growing complexity of fire risk. It also addresses the need for greater coherence and specialisation in training the different actors within the system.<\/p>\n

The PNQ_SGIFR follows a collaborative model involving several public entities. The Agency for the Integrated Management of Rural Fires (AGIF) is responsible for organising, promoting, and coordinating the process, alongside other key fire management organisations. It also involves organisations overseeing training, such as the Directorate-General for Employment and Labour Relations, the Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education, the Institute of Higher Education, and various polytechnic and university institutions.<\/p>\n

Aligning training with operational needs<\/strong><\/p>\n

The PNQ-SGIFR uses a structured approach to skills development based on a detailed mapping of required functions, activities and skills. In total, 62 functions and 154 key activities were identified across the rural fire management cycle.<\/p>\n

This\u00a0mapping\u00a0is intended to align training provision with the tasks performed in the field and in decision-making roles, contributing to a more coherent and professionalised system.\u00a0By defining common skills standards, the plan promotes a shared technical framework for professionals from different organisations involved in wildfire management.<\/p>\n

Strengthening VET and certification<\/strong><\/p>\n

A central element of the plan is the\u00a0creation of a sectoral certification system to ensure\u00a0the quality and relevance of training.<\/p>\n

At VET level, the plan is mainly based on training units from the\u00a0National Qualifications Catalogue<\/a>, in areas such as the protection of people and property and forestry. The certification system introduces additional requirements for training providers and trainers, helping to reduce variability in training quality and ensuring alignment with the sector\u2019s specific needs.<\/p>\n

It also includes mechanisms for the recognition, validation and certification of skills acquired through work experience, supporting career development and professional mobility.<\/p>\n

Micro-credentials and lifelong learning<\/strong><\/p>\n

To address higher-level skills needs, the PNQ\u2011SGIFR introduces micro-credentials in higher education, primarily for technical and decision-making roles.<\/p>\n

These short, modular\u00a0learning units\u00a0are designed to support ongoing skills update and may be integrated into academic programmes at universities and polytechnics, often in cooperation with research centres and\u00a0sectoral entities.<\/p>\n

The plan includes 46 non-higher-level\u00a0training units and 19 higher education micro-credentials, promoting flexible learning pathways and strengthening links between VET and higher education.<\/p>\n

Targets and expected impact<\/strong><\/p>\n

By 2028, Portugal aims to complete 80% of the programme and ensure that 10 000\u00a0professionals hold certified training.<\/p>\n

A digital platform will record qualifications and skills, promoting transparency and professional mobility within the system.<\/p>\n

By aligning skills development with operational needs, the plan is expected to strengthen workforce capacity, improve safety and support more effective rural fire management.<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n