Project Description

ISQ – INSTITUTO DE SOLDADURA E QUALIDADE

ISQ is a private, non-profit and independent technological institution founded in 1965, currently running operations in more than 40 countries across the world (EU, Eastern Europe, Africa, Americas and Asia), offering its experience in technical inspections, technical assistance for engineering projects, consultancy services and training activities, supported by transversal research and development activities and by 16 accredited laboratories (e.g.: chemical, bio and agro testing, nondestructive testing, Aerospatiale, etc.). For that propose, ISQ conducts also a Research and Innovation activity (R+I), promoting projects with national and international partners, both from public and private sector, aiming at continuous product and process development.

Currently, ISQ has about 1400 collaborators around the world (900 in Portugal) being the largest Portuguese technological infrastructure, with branches in all Portuguese regions.

Concerning the training activity of ISQ, it has a recognized experience in all areas of the training cycle (needs analyses, design, implementation, evaluation), being presently the second biggest player in Lifelong Learning in Portugal, including expertise in creating professional profiles and national quality references for VET. ISQ also has expertise in e-learning/b-learning, work-based learning and apprenticeship, technological training, training for social inclusion, professional and social marketing for employment, certification and recognition of knowledge and competencies.

With more than 25 years of experience in EU funded projects, ISQ has promoted or participated in over 500 projects, including projects in the field of lifelong learning, support to SMEs and human capital development. From 2006 onwards, ISQ has participated in more than 50 lifelong learning projects.

ISQ training department has built an extensive know-how in innovative learning paths and key competences, working closely with the IEFP, the Portuguese Public Institute for Employment and Training and the National Agency for Qualifications, as well as in developing tools and methodologies to assure national quality references for VET, via national and international project partnerships. ISQ also delivers to the Ministry of Labour and Employment new qualification standards for new emergent jobs of updated skills in traditional jobs, focused on business market needs and business market intelligence. Tailor made training solutions are also designed for youth and adult employment, relying on work-based solutions. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Entrepreneurship are also key areas at ISQ training services, focus of many recent studies and projects. ISQ was the founder member of the largest national network of Corporate Social Responsibility (with more than 250 member-organisations, www.rsopt.com).

ISQ is presently implementing its Governance Strategy for RRI-Responsible Research and Innovation and Open Science, being one of the first organisations at national level starting this process, and integrates the first European group of Research Bodies implementing RRI strategies.

ISQ is accredited for training services and training of trainers and teachers, being also certified under Quality, Environmental and Safety management model according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards. ISQ is also accredited to certify people according to ISO 17024 and our laboratories are certified by ISO 17025.

ISQ has its own business incubator “Centro de Incubação de Empresas” which main aims is to support start-ups in their early stage for their internationalization project and/or critical needs funding Call 2019 Round 1 KA2 – Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices KA202 – Strategic Partnerships for vocational education and training FormId KA202-6FA3BC8B Deadline (Brussels Time) 26 Mar 2019 12:00:00 EN 23 / 139 to reach maturity.

ISQ is Board member of EVBB (European Association of VET Centres), is member of SOLIDAR (European Association for Social Justice in Europe) and belongs to the CS11-National Commission for Quality in Education and VET.

ISQ integrates the national experts’ group on “ECVET-European credit System in Vocational and Educational Training” delivering workshops to different stakeholders in Portugal and in Europe.

Website | www.isq.pt/EN/