Created in July 1986, CECOA – Vocational Training Centre for the Trade – results from a protocol between IEFP – Employment and Vocational Training Institute (a public body depending on the Ministry of Labour and responsible for the implementation of the national policies in terms of employment and vocational education and training) and CCP – Portuguese Commerce and Trade Confederation (social partner representing the trade and services setor in Portugal).

With a national scope, CECOA has its head office in Lisbon and two other branches in Oporto and Coimbra. It provides training for young people, employees and trainers, as well as tailor-made solutions to the organizations.
 
In June 1999, the Board of diretors ratified the Quality Policy of CECOA and in February 2005 Cecoa´s Quality Management System was recognised under ISO 9001:2000.

Vision

"To be distinguished as a reference organisation, innovative and competitive, for the trade and services setor".

Mission

To contribute to the development and upgrading of the trade and services setor at a national level;
To carry out vocational education and training for young people and employed people;
To promote studies and projects aiming to develop:
- Innovative contents, methodologies and tools to support vocational education and training;
- Indicators for the characterisation of the trade and services setor.

Values

1. Orientation to the internal and external client;
2. Loyalty in the interpersonal relationships;
3. Ethics;
4. Team spirit;
5. Innovation and creativeness;
6. Flexibility and adaptation to changes.

Success Key fators

1. To permanently improve the human resources qualifications in order to answer to the market needs and demand;
2. To prepare young people and employed people with proper skills to face the challenges of the setor;
3. To innovate in products and services;
4. To improve and simplify the procedures;
5. To reinforce the cooperation and the partnerships;
6. To anticipate the needs and to develop tailor-made solutions according to the clients needs.

Quality Policy

Through it quality policy, CECOA reinforces it commitment with the fulfilment of the EN NP ISO 9001:2008 standards requirements, it concern with the continuous improvement of the quality of the services provided with a view to client’s needs and expectations satisfaction . The accomplishment of this Policy is supported on:
• The development of products that contribute to the development and competitiveness of the trade and services setor;
• A commitment with innovation and differentiation of the training offered;
• The involvement of clients, staff, suppliers, business partners and local community in the activities accomplished;
• An efficient performance builds on a continuous improvement of staff skills and motivations.

Following the publication of the Order 851/2010, 06th September regulating the new Portuguese System of VET Providers Certification, and according to article 4º, CECOA is released from this certification process as Vocational Education and Training is an activity foreseen in it legal creation decree. However, until July 2011, CECOA was an entity recognized under the former Portuguese system of assessment and accreditation of VET Providers.

This new System of VET Providers Certification will continue to be managed by DGERT - General diretorate for Employment and Labour Relations (Ministry of Economy and Employment), the national body responsible for insuring VET quality and the certification of VET Providers operating within the National Qualification System.


CECOA is also, since November 2001, a member of the Skills and Competences Acknowledgment, Assessment and Certification Centres national network (CNO – New Opportunities Centre).