The current vocational education and training (VET) system in Portugal is the result of a 2007 large-scale reform, which reorganised VET into a single system (Sistema Nacional de Qualificações, SNQ). The main objectives of the SNQ are to ensure that VET qualifications better match labour market needs, promoting the competitiveness of enterprises, and to reinforce the recognition, validation and certification of competences (RVCC). It also aims to guarantee scholarly and professional progression of citizens in 43 sectoral areas of education and training. Key principles of VET provision are the wide range of programmes accessible to young people and adults, the link between VET provision and labour market needs, and flexibility in type and duration of programmes for adults. In the current economic context, where the socioeconomic effects of the pandemic crisis are apparent, VET should be a crucial tool in fostering employability, social inclusion and the development of the economy.