The Centro Tecnológico Especializado will be based at the José Belchior Viegas Secondary School and will focus on professional training in cooking and restaurant services.

The project includes the renovation and expansion of the school’s Academia dos Sabores, as well as the installation of specialist equipment for practical classes.

The school group applied for funding through Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), with a maximum eligible amount of €194,850. However, following the public procurement process, the construction contract was awarded for €231,925.37, plus VAT.

São Brás de Alportel Council will cover the amount not included in the PRR funding, allowing all the planned work to be completed.

The new kitchen training area will become part of the school’s Industrial Technology Centre. It is expected to give students access to more modern facilities and practical training suited to the needs of the hospitality sector.

The council said the investment will improve vocational education in the municipality and help young people gain the skills they need before entering the job market.

Hospitality and restaurant services play an important role in the Algarve economy, making specialised training particularly relevant in the region. The project is also intended to bring vocational education closer to the practical requirements of local employers.

São Brás de Alportel Council is developing the project together with the José Belchior Viegas School Group, which already runs the Academia dos Sabores.