Since 2013, as part of the Skils Programme (formerly known as ‘Incluir para Iluminar’), E-REDES has been establishing partnerships with public secondary schools offering technical and vocational courses with a view to promoting the training of future electricians. E-REDES currently supports 8 schools and around 120 students across the country.   

Over the course of three years of secondary education, students receive practical training, complete 600 hours of work experience at E-REDES, receive technical support and take part in study visits. These experiences bring students closer to the teams in the field and show them the real impact of their future work.

In order to make the course more attractive and increase student retention, E-REDES established, in 2024, the awarding of prizes to 12th grade students who excelled academically.

In 2025, the intention was to give greater visibility to this initiative and raise the profile of the awards through a ceremony held on 5 December at the Avelar Brotero Secondary School, in Coimbra, which brought together 160 participants, including students, teachers and partners from the sector.

The session featured messages that brought young people closer to the future of energy. 

Carla Sofia Noá, from EDP Inovação, spoke about the new energy paradigm and the challenges facing the sector.

Pedro Terras Marques, Network Management Director at E-REDES, explained how teams work every day to ensure that ‘we never run out of electricity’.

At the closing ceremony, the importance of the link between companies and schools was reinforced. This collaboration ensures training that is aligned with the needs of the sector and contributes to preparing qualified professionals, who are essential for the country's development.