CENCAL – Professional Training Centre for Ceramic
Industry is a well wide known training Institution
of Technical and pedagogical support for Ceramic Industry,
located at Caldas da Rainha focused on the Portuguese
Ceramic Industry Sector. Cencal appeared in 1981 founded
by the IEFP – Employment and Professional Training
Institute, the APC, now APICER - Portuguese Ceramic
Industry Association and AIRO – Industrial Association
of the West Region.
The training activities began in October 1985 in the
present building. At the time special attention was
given to the forthcoming ceramic industries, therefore
launching innovative areas, particularly on the domain
of new technologies.
At CENCAL, in order to allow a true contact of trainees
with the ceramic industry reality a small ceramic
company is simulated. The production process can be
observed, from moulding to painting. CENCAL can receive
in internship almost fifty students from other geographical
areas. The building has a bar, a canteen, a living
room, library and study room, play-grounds and spaces
for cultural activities.
Receiving at its courses, young students seeking
first employment or professionals seeking continuous
training, CENCAL is giving a significant support to
this important national economic sector.
The creative ceramic area has also received CENCAL
attention by organising regularly workshops, An area
highlighted at CENCAL is creative ceramics either
organising several workshops, conferences and seminars
or development of several projects of foreign artists,
researchers, designers, technicians
