In 2024, the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP) launched two innovative measures that promise to be an excellent opportunity for Portuguese companies: Estágios +TALENTO and Estágios INICIAR.
Have you heard of it?
These programs aim to help companies integrate young people with potential and promote the development of internships that encourage job creation and the development of qualified professionals.
They are especially important to prevent qualified young people from leaving the Portuguese labor market!

These initiatives have a significant impact on both small and medium-sized businesses and large organizations, enabling them to become benchmark companies at national and international level.
In addition, by participating in these programs, companies gain a competitive advantage, while at the same time receiving support to finance professional internships and support the creation of jobs.
Shall we understand how this new model works?
What are +TALENT Internships and INITIATE Internships?
+TALENT Internships
The +TALENT Internships are a measure aimed at young people with potential, aged 35 or under and with higher level qualifications (levels 6, 7 and 8 of the National Qualifications Framework).
With a duration of 6 months, this employment measure aims to provide a practical professional internship that complements the academic pathway, facilitating the transition to the job market.

This measure is especially suitable for companies wishing to attract qualified talent in areas such as engineering, science or technology, but can also be applied to other areas of knowledge.
The aim is to complement young people's skills in a real work context, helping your company to develop a strong team and retain talent, which, in theory, will help prevent qualified young people from leaving the country.

Monthly internship stipend:
➢ 2,2 IAS - level 6: 1 120,37 €
➢ 2,4 IAS - level 7: 1 222,22 €
➢ 2,6 IAS - level 8: 1 324,08 €
- Meal or food allowance
- Work accident insurance
IAS value: 509,26€
In addition, promoters can apply for specific support to cover expenses associated with the internship, such as a transport allowance. What about the INICIAR Internship?
Internships START
INICIAR Internships are focused on unemployed people with level 4 or 5 qualifications(secondary technical education or technological specialization courses).
Like the +TALENT Internships, these internships last 6 months and are intended to facilitate the trainees' entry into the job market.

- Monthly internship allowance:
➢ 1.7 IAS - level 4: 865.74 €
➢ 1.8 IAS - level 5: 916.67 €
- Meal or food allowance
- Work accident insurance
Value of the IAS (Social Support Index) in 2024: 509,26 €
Among the priority groups are young people looking for their first job opportunity, but the measure also extends to other vulnerable groups, such as unemployed adults who have recently acquired new qualifications.
Employers can benefit from support to hire these trainees, with the possibility of financing up to 80% of the traineeship grant in specific cases, such as traineeships for people with disabilities or those located in areas of low population density.

The state believes that this will be a way of improving the competitiveness of companies and encouraging the development of internships in various areas. But how can your company benefit from these mechanisms?
How can my company benefit from the +TALENT and INICIAR internships?
These measures bring a series of direct benefits to the entities that join, helping to meet talent needs and reduce operating costs.
Shall we discover the main ones?
1. financial incentives
One of the biggest attractions of these measures is the possibility of companies receiving significant financial support.
The IEFP pays between 65% and 80% of the trainee's monthly stipend, depending on the situation. In particular, for a traineeship for people with disabilities or for professions with gender under-representation, the contribution can be as high as 80%.

This represents a significant reduction in operating costs, allowing companies to invest in other critical areas of the business, such as providing care for their customers or developing new products and services.
Important note: the transport allowance only applies to trainees with disabilities and covers 10% of the IAS.
In addition, the 80% reimbursement of the traineeship grant can be applied when the company concludes an open-ended employment contract with the trainee within 20 working days of completing the traineeship.
The remuneration of the employment contract must be at least equivalent to the NQF level 8 internship grant, if the company does not intend to use the support of the Employment +TALENT measure.
2. Improving Competitiveness
By integrating young trainees through the +TALENTO and INICIAR Internships, your company has the opportunity to evaluate the trainees' performance in a real work context.
This process reduces the risks in the hiring process and facilitates the creation of lasting jobs.

In addition, the program provides access to professionals in areas of high demand, which can be a competitive advantage for companies looking to strengthen their teams with young people with potential.
3. Reduced operating costs
Companies benefit not only from the internship grants, but also from additional support, such as the payment of transportation costs for interns, depending on the location and profile of the internship.

These incentives make it more accessible to hire trainees, while at the same time ensuring that the promoting organizations comply with all the legal and tax obligations associated with the traineeship.
But how does a company apply for this support?
Application criteria and deadlines for 2024
In order for your company to benefit from these measures, it is crucial to be aware of the opening of applications and ensure that you meet all the requirements stipulated in the notice.
Here's everything you need to know.
Application deadlines
Applications for both measures, Internships +TALENT and Internships INITIATE, run from October 3, 2024 to April 28, 2025, with the possibility of early closure if the budget allocation is reached.
The notice also specifies the criteria for submitting applications, so it's important to submit the complete documentation as soon as possible.

Required documentation
Applications are made electronically via the IEFP Online Portal.
Companies must complete the application form, providing all the required documentation and ensuring that the proposed internship complies with the terms defined in the regulation.
It is essential to ensure that the eligibility criteria are met in order for the application to be approved.

Approval Criteria
Applications are analyzed based on criteria such as:
- The location of the internship;
- The employability rate of previous trainees;
- And the suitability of the trainee's profile.

In addition, employers who offer curricular internships or internships for access to certain regulated professions are considered, to ensure that the internship contributes to the development of skills that facilitate integration into the job market.
But when it comes to choosing: which type of internship best suits the reality of your company?
+TALENT and INICIAR internships: what's the difference and which is best for your company?
Although both programs offer valuable opportunities, the choice between +TALENT Internships and INITIATE Internships should be based on your company's specific needs.
+TALENT Internships
- Suitable for companies looking for young people with potential with higher qualifications, such as bachelors and masters.
- Ideal for companies wishing to attract talent in technical, technological and scientific areas.

Internships START
- Focused on young people and other unemployed people with intermediate qualifications, such as technical courses.
- Suitable for companies looking to hire professionals for mid-level positions.

Both programs offer additional incentives for curricular internships and for hiring trainees in under-represented professions.
If your company is looking to attract young people with potential in competitive sectors, both programs may be suitable.
Is the idea starting to appeal to you?
If so, the question arises: how do I start the application process?
Step by step: how to apply for +TALENT or INICIAR Internships?
Applying for these measures is a simple process, but it requires attention to detail and compliance with all regulatory obligations.
Below is the step-by-step guide:
1. Registration on the IEFP Portal
As we saw earlier, the first step is to register on the IEFP Portal, ensuring that the company profile is up to date.
2. Filling in the Application Form
After registering, fill in the application form with information about the development of internships, detailing the project and objectives.
3. Process monitoring
The IEFP will inform you of the progress of the application and, once approved, the organizations can begin the process of providing internship services.

Before I say goodbye...
The +TALENT Internships and INITIATE Internships are unique opportunities for Portuguese companies looking to qualify their teams and foster growth.
These are new opportunities ready to be seized.
By participating in these programs, your company can benefit from significant financial support, integrate young people with potential and become a benchmark company in your sector. Any doubts?
Remember that we are here to help you, should you need support in the application process. Send us a message now!