Skills shortage retards Portugal’s economic growth

LISBON, Apr 04 (AFP): When French technology consultancy Altran needed to hire staff for a new centre in Porto, it held a recruitment fair on board a boat docked in the northern Portuguese city's colourful riverside area.

Dozens of recent graduates mingled with Altran staff as they enjoyed sweeping views of Porto's iconic double-deck metal arch bridge.

At the end of the day Altran managed to fill just over 20 positions and the company plans to repeat the experience again this year.

The event held in July highlights the effort companies need to make to woo skilled workers in Portugal, which is facing a shortage of qualified talent that is hampering its economic recovery.

"Given the scarcity of technology professionals we ended up having to draw their attention in a more appealing way," Altran Portugal's human resources manager, Ricardo Machado, told AFP.

Portugal, which has bounced back from a 2011-14 debt crisis that brought the country to the brink of bankruptcy, is grappling with a skills shortage that is capping how fast its economy can grow.