About
Empower Up is a certified vocational training school based in Lisbon, Portugal, accredited by DGERT (Direção-Geral do Emprego e Relações de Trabalho). It offers practical, career-focused courses designed to prepare students for in-demand professional roles recognized by employers across the country. The school's course catalog spans a wide range of sectors, including healthcare (Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assistant, Health Auxiliary), animal care (Veterinary Assistant, Animal Nutrition, Animal Physiotherapy, Exotic Animals, Pet Grooming), finance and administration (Accounting & Tax Management, Fiscal Management), education (Educational Action Auxiliary), technology (IT & Programming, Power BI), and safety (Environmental Health & Safety, Psychological First Aid, Pet First Aid). All courses come with managed internship placements and access to an exclusive job placement board (Bolsa de Emprego), making the transition from training to employment smoother. Empower Up handles the entire internship coordination process on behalf of students. Scheduling is flexible, with options for daytime, post-work hours, Saturdays, and by-appointment sessions, catering to working adults and career changers alike. With prices starting from €75/month, the school targets individuals seeking affordable, industry-recognized credentials that can open doors to new careers. Empower Up is particularly well-suited for career switchers, recent school leavers, and professionals looking to formalize their skills with an accredited qualification.
Key Features
- DGERT-Certified Courses: All programs are officially certified by Portugal's Directorate-General for Employment and Labour Relations, ensuring employer recognition nationwide.
- Managed Internship Placement: Empower Up handles the entire internship coordination process, from placement to follow-up, removing administrative burden from students.
- Job Placement Board (Bolsa de Emprego): Graduates gain exclusive access to a curated job board connecting them with employers actively seeking qualified candidates in their field.
- Flexible Scheduling: Courses are offered in daytime, post-work, Saturday, and by-appointment formats, accommodating students with existing professional or personal commitments.
- Diverse Course Catalog: Programs span healthcare, animal care, administration, finance, technology, safety, and education, covering a wide range of in-demand career paths.
Use Cases
- A career changer looking to transition into healthcare (e.g., pharmacy, dental assisting, or veterinary support) with an officially recognized qualification and a supported internship.
- A recent school leaver seeking a practical, affordable vocational certification that leads directly to employment in fields like animal care, education assistance, or health technology.
- A working professional pursuing an after-hours course in accounting, tax management, or Power BI to formalize their skills and advance their career without leaving their current job.
- An individual interested in animal services (grooming, nutrition, physiotherapy, or exotic animal care) wanting hands-on training with certified credentials.
- An employer or HR professional seeking to upskill staff through certified, government-recognized training programs available in multiple Portuguese cities.
Pros
- Employer-Recognized Certification: DGERT accreditation ensures qualifications are valued by Portuguese employers, improving graduate employability across sectors.
- End-to-End Career Support: From course delivery to internship management and job placement assistance, Empower Up provides comprehensive support throughout the career transition journey.
- Affordable Monthly Payments: Starting at €75/month, the pricing model makes professional certification accessible to a broad range of learners, including those on tighter budgets.
- Flexible Learning Schedules: Multiple time-slot options allow working adults and career changers to study without disrupting their current employment or personal responsibilities.
Cons
- Portugal-Only Availability: Courses and certifications are tailored to the Portuguese market and regulatory framework, limiting relevance for international learners.
- In-Person Attendance May Be Required: Practical and clinical courses (e.g., veterinary, dental assistant) likely require physical presence, which may not suit fully remote learners.
- Limited Online-Only Options: The school's model appears primarily classroom-based, with fewer fully digital or asynchronous course formats compared to global e-learning platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Empower Up courses officially recognized in Portugal?
Yes. All courses are certified by DGERT (Direção-Geral do Emprego e Relações de Trabalho), the Portuguese government body responsible for accrediting professional training programs, ensuring they are recognized by employers nationwide.
Is an internship included in the courses?
Yes. Internships are included as part of the curriculum for eligible courses, and Empower Up manages the entire placement process on behalf of students — from finding a suitable host organization to coordinating the internship logistics.
What is the Bolsa de Emprego (Job Placement Board)?
The Bolsa de Emprego is an exclusive job placement board accessible to Empower Up graduates. It connects certified students with companies actively recruiting for roles in their area of training, facilitating a faster transition into employment.
What are the available course schedules?
Empower Up offers courses in multiple formats: daytime (laboral), post-work hours (pós-laboral), Saturdays, and by appointment (por marcação). This flexibility is designed to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals.
How much do courses cost?
Courses start from €75 per month. Specific pricing may vary depending on the program. Prospective students can book a free trial class (aula gratuita) to experience the format before committing.
