The Escola Profissional do Vale do Tejo (EPVT), in Santarém, has modernised vocational education through the creation of its new Specialised Digital Technology Centre (CTE Digital), a project funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), with an investment of more than one million euros. This centre is of strategic importance as it is the only CTE Digital in the Lezíria do Tejo Intermunicipal Community, further strengthening EPVT's position as a regional reference in technological, creative and digital education and training.
“This CTE has revolutionised things here. We now have many more resources and possibilities than we had before. This space will allow us to do things we couldn't do previously. We now have state-of-the-art, up-to-date equipment, so we have all the conditions to do an even better job than we were already doing.” - says João Aranha, Multimedia Course instructor at EPVT.
With the support of Pantalha, responsible for the technical design, supply, installation, integration and training, the school now has an advanced technological ecosystem designed to bring students closer to the reality of the audiovisual, digital and broadcast industries. The project involved the creation of integrated workspaces adapted to the educational context, enabling students to use the technology in a real production environment - “Our experience with Pantalha was excellent. Especially Sérgio, who provided the training - he was fantastic (…) And whenever we need something, Pantalha is always available. I would rate our relationship with Pantalha as excellent,” - says João Aranha.
The implementation included intensive training for teachers and technical staff, covering areas such as image and sound capture, multicamera production, lighting, streaming, recording, post-production, videoconferencing and immersive environments.
“We learned a lot, partly because we tried to involve the entire staff. The idea is for this to be something for the whole school, not just for the Multimedia department. During the training with Sérgio, there were people here who had never had anything to do with audiovisual production, but they came along to understand a little bit about how it works, and they enjoyed learning about it.” - highlights João Aranha.
A Professional Learning Environment
The new Digital CTE was designed as a professional simulation environment, where students take on technical roles similar to those found in the professional market: camera operators, sound and lighting technicians, assistant directors, content producers, photographers, editors and digital creators - “Now we can assign roles. You are at the sound desk. You are editing. You are on the cameras. And that really is much closer to what the professional market is like.” - says João Aranha.
The use of professional Blackmagic Design systems, including URSA Broadcast G2 cameras, ATEM Television Studio 4K8 production switchers, streaming systems and SMPTE infrastructure, makes it possible to recreate environments similar to those used by major national broadcasters within the school. Students therefore gain direct experience with methodologies and equipment comparable to those found in television, digital communications, audiovisual production, marketing and events.
Multimedia Production Studio
A key feature of the project is the creation of a Multimedia Content Production Studio, designed as the school's central hub for audiovisual capture and production. In this space, students can develop news reports, interviews, podcasts, videocasts, live broadcasts, social media content, photography and multicamera productions.
The studio incorporates broadcast cameras, 4K lenses, professional tripods, recording and streaming systems, professional lighting, microphones, an audio mixing console, preview monitors and studio backdrops. This infrastructure enables students to understand every stage of the audiovisual production process, from pre-production through to editing and final content distribution.
Control Room and Broadcast Infrastructure
The Digital CTE control room has been equipped to support multicamera production, monitoring, recording and content transmission. Fibre-optic connectivity and dedicated cabling ensure high technical quality and operational stability, allowing students to understand the complete workflow of a multicamera production.
Photography, Video and Field Production
The imaging side of the programme has been strengthened with Fujifilm X-T5 cameras, professional lenses, DJI gimbals, stabilisers, drones and capture accessories. This equipment enables students to develop projects in photography, news reporting, documentaries, event coverage and outdoor audiovisual production.
Audio, Podcasting and Digital Communication
The Digital CTE incorporates a professional audio setup comprising a digital mixing console, broadcast and wireless microphones, intercom systems, headphones and audio monitors. These resources enable students to work on voiceovers, interviews, podcasts, radio and sound production for video.
Lighting, Set Design and Immersive Environments
The centre incorporates professional lighting solutions suitable for interviews, green-screen production, portrait photography, promotional video and studio environments. It also includes videoconferencing, hybrid collaboration and virtual reality systems, using Logitech, Yealink and ClassVR Premium solutions.
“We have a wide range of equipment, and we have good equipment. We are managing to use it, and the students are managing to use it too. You can already see the results in the videos we are producing for the school.” - highlights João Aranha.
Educational Impact and Conclusion
The project's main value lies in creating a learning environment aligned with the reality of the professional market. Exposure to professional equipment and industry-standard methodologies enables students to acquire practical skills in contexts similar to those they will encounter in the future. - “This has been a ‘toy’ for them, and it has motivated them. They are always asking when we are coming here. Ever since we have had these facilities, the students have become increasingly motivated.” - explains João Aranha.
The impact of the Digital CTE goes beyond the school's technological modernisation. It represents a new approach to vocational education, based on hands-on learning, experimentation and the production of real-world content.
“There is no other studio in the region with the facilities we have. And anyone who wants to pursue this field will find ideal conditions here. The best way for them to learn is to ‘get hands-on’ (…) now they have all the raw materials. I truly believe that this practical approach is what will influence them to become good professionals in the future.” — adds João Aranha.
The partnership with Pantalha was instrumental in ensuring the technical and educational integration of the entire system. More than an investment in equipment, the project represents an investment in skills, creativity and professional preparation.
Every project is unique. If you are also looking to create a technological environment that prepares students and professionals for the challenges of the future, contact us by email at geral@pantalha.pt or by telephone on +351 21 754 36 40 and discover how we can turn your vision into reality.
July, 2026
