Grant for companies

This scheme aims to increase the training capacity of the branch concerning temporary workers. Companies receive contributions to their training costs for the training of temporary workers with low or without qualifications in the construction, industry, and logistics sectors. The eligible education and training activities include work/study programmes with 140 to 450 hours of training. The co-funding share is 81% of training costs. Eligible groups include temporary workers without qualifications or with the first level of qualification. The enterprises have to fund 19% of the training costs. The rest is provided by the State and by FAF.TT. Eligible costs include tuition fees/costs for internal training personnel, plus other costs

Companies located in Wallonia region can apply for public contributions to their training costs in the form of hourly flat-rate financial subventions per worker (6 per worker). FOREM, the regional Public Employment Service (PES) of Wallonia, is the body responsible for the management of this instrument. Training eligible should maintain or develop competencies of employees. The maximum amount that can be received is EUR 80 000 per firm per 2 year period. There is a maximum of 150 hours (average per employee) in a period of a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 2 years. SMEs and businesses located in the so-called "development areas" receive additional funding.

Companies in the Walloon region may receive a public grant to cover the costs of training their employees. The amount granted to the company is EUR 10 per hour of training, with a EUR 1 per hour increase if the person trained is low skilled. The maximum amount the company may receive is EUR 80 000 over a period of 2 years. The training programme should last from 6 months to 1 year and comprise a maximum of 300 hours/per trained employee. The learning worker (trainee) must be a national of a Member State of the European Union or currently reside in the French-speaking Walloon region and be at least 18 years old. He/she must: either have been employed for up to 12 months in the company or be employed by the company and in need of training to access new functions in the company or be an interim worker in the company with a temporary contract with the company at the time of training. No preferential treatment is applied. Funding comes from Regional authorities: The Walloon government and the PES (Forem).

Employers providing apprenticeships to either unemployed persons or unskilled workers and who are approved to have apprentices can apply for the grant. A subsidy (financed by the state) to cover part of the hourly wage of an adult apprentice amounts to DKK 30 or DKK 45 (approx. EUR 4 or EUR 6) (depending on whether the adult is employed and considering the length of unemployment). The adult apprenticeship subsidy is funded by the state. The company may receive subsidies up to DKK 1 500 000 (approx. EUR 200 725) over a 3-year period. Although the formal vocational education leading to a qualification is eligible, however, only a list of education and training programmes with high demand or a lack of qualified workforce is eligible (which changes according to labour market and skills needs). Companies can apply on annual basis.

Companies experiencing a temporary slowdown in their business activity and/or incurring economic losses, having long-term employees or employees aged over 50, and facing the risk of reducing their workforce can apply for the grant to finance the costs of training their employees. It is implemented by the Croatian Employment Service. Only training of professional relevance for the applying company and included in the company's training plan is eligible. The maximum duration of the support is 6 months. The maximum amount of funding is HRK 7 000 (approx. EUR 941) per employee. There is no preferential treatment. There is no limitation to re-use the grant.

Private legal entities, state and municipal enterprises in a partnership with licensed vocational training providers, business associations, private legal entities, chambers of commerce, industry, and crafts are considered eligible groups for this scheme. The purpose of this measure is to ensure continuous maintenance of the qualification level of employees, their professional mobility, and their ability to quickly reorient to the activities of another sector of the economy. Companies can choose an effective form of employee training, e.g. apprenticeships. The maximum possible amount of project funding is EUR 360 000 with a co-funding rate of 50-70% of EU funding. Eligible costs are broad, including salary costs for teachers, travel expenses, etc. Preferential treatment is established depending on the company size and for employees from vulnerable groups.

Companies employing former unemployed to prepare for a vocational examination while working as an apprentice can apply for a subsidy to municipal employment authorities. The employer pays wages and receives reimbursement. The amount of subsidy from municipal employment authorities to companies is based on the length of unemployment and covers 30% (less than 1-year unemployment), 40% (at least 1 year of unemployment), or 50% (at least 2 years of unemployment) of the payroll costs for a period not exceeding 12 months. No preferential treatment is applied. There is no limitation to re-use the grant.

Public funding is available for apprenticeships for adults (aged 25 and over) in a number of economically important sectors. The public co-funding is 50% of the eligible education and training costs for the off-the-job component from the Department for the Economy. The eligible costs are the training component in eligible courses by pre-approved suppliers. For employers who have an apprentice who successfully completes a level 2 or level 3 course, there is an Employer Incentive Payment, ranging from between GBP 250 - 1 500 (approx. EUR 297 - 1 782) depending on the complexity and level of the programme and the age of the apprentice on joining the programme. There is no preferential treatment.

Companies offering indefinite contracts to job seekers or job seekers starting new businesses can apply for this public grant. The public co-funding share is 50% of the costs for education and training. Training courses/programmes provided by accredited training institutions are eligible. Fees and other costs related to education and training are considered eligible costs. Each cheque is worth EUR 30 and covers one hour of training. Cheques are valid for 1 year. Actiris (PES of Brussels) funds 50% of each training cheque up to EUR 2 250 for a training programme. If the total amount is above EUR 2 250, the difference in cost is borne by the employer or business owner, as appropriate. ICT and languages are 100% funded by Actiris. This measure can be used once in each calendar year.

Companies existing for at least one year and employing and providing training to previously unemployed adults can apply for the grant. The eligible costs of training are refunded to the company. Eligible costs include fees and other costs related to the training. The training participant receives a bonus for activity and for transport. The standard cost of the training is in proportion to the amount of training provided (for 2-month training: EUR 526; for 3-month training: EUR 732). The funds are allocated via public tender, including preferential treatment (receiving extra points in the tender) when employing specific vulnerable groups. The same applicant can re-use the grant after a break of a particular period.

This scheme is aimed at funding the costs for the recognition of prior learning by company workers. Any employee wanting to or having to make her/his learning achievements more transparent for the purpose of employability and/or qualification is eligible for this scheme. If the employer takes over the costs of the recognition the fund will reimburse EUR 400. If the employee carries the costs, he/she may receive co-funding between EUR 700 and EUR 1 500 depending on the duration and kind of recognition procedure and the provider. Larger companies (with more than 500 employees) that have incorporated the Ervaringscertificaat into their human resource management (HRM), self-finance its application. There is no preferential treatment, and the de Minimis rules apply.

Companies in Lombardy Region can apply for co-funding for training costs. Vouchers are co-founded by ESF (50%), State (35%) and Region (15%). The eligible training depends on the specific call. Companies have to submit an application for a company training voucher for each individual course they intend to enrol their employees. Employees can benefit from one or more training courses, up to an overall value of EUR 2 000 on an annual basis. The maximum cost reimbursable to the company for the use of the courses differsaccording to the level of skills to be acquired.

SMEs and business associations can request support for the development of different projects including capacity building projects aiming at improving the efficiency of the processes of innovation of SME, combining training of workers with consultancy services. Education and training eligible are technical and continuous training. It is co-financed through the ERDF Operational Programme “Competitiveness and Internationalization”. The amount available depends on the typology of the projects: for individual projects the maximum is EUR 500 000 (co-funded up to 50%) and for joint projects of EUR 180 000 per company to be addressed (co-funded up to 85%). The funding is provided to support staff costs related to trainers and trainees, supporting costs related to trainers and trainees (e. g. travel expenses, material, and supplies) as well as consultancy services associated with the training. De minimis regulations apply for this grant.

The grant aims to intensify the training of entrepreneurs, managers, and workers for the reorganization and improvement of management capacities, as well as company workers, supported by themes associated with innovation and change. It is addressed to individual SMEs (individual projects) or business associations supporting SMEs (joint projects). Through this scheme, SMEs and associations can request support for the development of different projects related to the upskilling and reskilling of human resources, including workers and business managers, as well as to support innovation and new business models and exchange of good practices. The amount available depends on the typology of the projects and the grant co-funds up to 50%. The funding is provided to support staff costs related to trainers and trainees, supporting costs related to trainers and trainees (e. g. travel expenses, material, and supplies) as well as consultancy services associated with the training. There are eligible groups with preferential treatment, Bonuses are as follows: 1. Increase of 10% if the training is provided to disabled or disadvantaged workers; 2. Increase of 10%. if the incentive is granted to medium-sized companies and of 20% if it is granted to micro and small companies. Funding comes from European sources and De-minimis regulation applies.

Companies can apply for this non-refundable grant to raise the qualification and build the capacity of their employees, and better adapt to the ever-changing labour market requirements. The applicant is a private legal entity or a state or municipal enterprise operating for at least one year (registered in the Register of Legal Entities) and had insured persons every month for at least 6 months before the month of submission of the application. The maximum possible amount of project funding is EUR 4 500 with a co-funding rate of 50-70% of EU funding, 30-50% of private funding. Continuing vocational education and training is considered an eligible type of training. Eligible costs include tuition fees and opportunity costs. Preferential treatment is established depending on the company size.

Groups of companies brought together by a project promoter (usually a business association or cluster coordinator) can benefit from this grant. Project partners must be companies belonging to one sector and it is expected that the implementation of the projects will provide specialized sectoral training that meets the common needs of the companies in the sector. The maximum possible amount for one project depends on the call. The co-funding rate ranges from 50% to 70%. Continuing vocational education and training (CVET) is considered as eligible type of training.

Employers, legal associations; public and independent organizations for child and youth welfare located in Brandenburg are eligible for this grant, which subsidizes training measures up to 50%of the eligible expenditure. Eligible types of training include professional further training measures for employees and business owners who work in a permanent establishment. Tuition fees (for courses and exams) are considered eligible costs. The requested grant must be at least EUR 1 000. The grant per application may not exceed EUR 3 000 per participant. There is no limitation for reusing the grant.

Companies can apply for the co-funding of direct training-related costs, as well as a proportion of wages of trained employees in private companies. All types of private and public legal entities are eligible for this grant. The focus of the training is on sector-specific skills related to the current job. Grants are distributed based on applications outlining the training plans of employers. The co-funding share is variable from 50% to 85% of the costs, depending on the type of organisation (public, municipality co-owned, or private), a region of its residence, and type of call. Eligible costs depend on the call and cover not only fees but also training-related costs and wage replacement. The minimum amount of funding is EUR 25 000, the maximum amount of funding is EUR 200 000 per project. Only one grant per call is allowed.

Employers that provide disability awareness training for their staff can apply for the grant. It is implemented by the Regional offices of the Department for Social Protection. The grant covers 90% of the eligible training programme costs (up to a maximum of EUR 20 000 in one calendar year) is available to an organisation for the first year of training; after the first year, 80% of eligible training programmes is covered (to a maximum of EUR 20 000 in one calendar year). The scheme can be used by the same applicant once in each calendar year. There is no preferential treatment.

SMEs can apply for this grant covering all types of training available in the Database of Development Services administered by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development. Co-funding rates vary from 50% to 80% of the total cost of the service depending on the type of support (voucher, reimbursement of costs). Training programme to be provided to employees or employers is chosen by the employer (in line with company's needs) or in cooperation with consultants from the regional operators.

All companies can apply for this grant. The eligible education and training activities include training for the attainment of vocational qualifications and training for the attainment and development of key competences. The grant is co-financed through the ESF. Co-funding is 70% for small, 60% for medium-sized, and 50% for large enterprises of the eligible costs. Eligible costs include fees and other costs related to education and training (travel costs, accommodation costs). A maximum of support available for a single company is defined. Preferential treatment is given to SMEs. The grant can be re-used after a break of a particular period. De-Minimis rules apply.

Companies located in the Basque country that have a workforce of 35 or more employees can apply for support for their training actions. Such training actions need to be part of a well-defined company training plan. The grant supports any training aimed at improving skills directly related to the company's productive process. The duration of any supported training activity should have a duration between 6 and 270 training hours per participant and year. The companies must guarantee that the training actions for whose execution the grant is requested have not been already subject to a discount in the FUNDAE national model. The amount of the lump-sum depends on the number of companies applying for the instrument and fulfil the existing criteria. The amount is calculated via several appraisal criteria, including the size of companies, the strategic nature of the training activities or its degree of innovativeness. Certain types of training fields are also given preference. Eligible cost include fees and other training related costs. Smaller companies are given preference (minimum size 35 workers). Companies can apply for the grant each year.

All Austrian regions (Bundesländer) have established funding schemes for promoting local companies in the fields such as innovation, export activities, or training. Training is supported either as a stand-alone activity or as a part of a broader initiative, for example, targeting innovation activities. Particular schemes are typically volatile, often available only for a short period, however, consecutive schemes are providing similar types of support for training over time. Currently, there is no comprehensive overview of Austria's local schemes supporting training in companies (in particular on schemes where cofounding of training is embedded in wider support schemes). Specific conditions differ between Bundesländer.

Many Federal States (Länder) in Germany became important providers for cost-sharing schemes in the ESF funding period from 2007 to 2013, where ESF and national funds are used for providing various types of vouchers for further education. Instruments targeted partly only individuals, partly only enterprises, yet, partly both individuals and enterprises. Co-funding schemes are continued under the ESF funding period (2014-2020), however, schemes are adapted on the one hand to introduced federal funding schemes, on the other hand, to reduce available ESF funds for further education (estimated to be EUR 300 000 000 to EUR 400 000 000 per year across all Federal States). Examples for countries with voucher schemes for or also open for individuals include Schleswig-Holstein, Hessen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hamburg, Saxony, Thuringia and Bremen. Beyond voucher schemes, the Federal States may provide co-funding for further education and training as part of other initiatives, for example, in the field of innovation policies. An overview of all cost-sharing schemes is available in a database (http://www.foerderdatenbank.de). There is no recent overview on funding volumes and beneficiaries.

Companies located in Burgenland can apply for the grant with the aim to co-finance training for their employees. Only education and training of professional relevance for the applying companies are eligible. The maximum amount of subsidies that the company may receive in the given fiscal year is EUR 15 000. Co-funding rates are 50% for SMEs, 35% for larger companies. The grant can be used once in each calendar year.

Public and private educational institutions established in Baden-Württemberg, that offer inter-company training courses for at least three years, can apply for co-funding for the provision of inter-company specialised training to update the professional knowledge, skills and competences of employees in the area of electric mobility. The scheme targets in particular employees of SMEs, but also entrepreneurs and returners to work. The co-funding share is 50% in general. The co-funding rate for participants without vocational qualifications is 70%. The maximum amount of grant per training provider and year is EUR 300 000. The minimum amount is EUR 10 000. Ministry for Finance and Work of Baden Württemberg manages the grant. The grant can be re-used once in each calendar year.

The scheme finances the training for unemployed or vulnerable groups (e.g. unemployed over 45) in relation to the labour market. Special courses to support vulnerable groups are considered eligible types of training. The scheme uses the resources of the funds collected for compulsory contribution to training due by all companies (the fund is collected by the National Institution for Social Welfare - INPS). Eligible costs include training plans and training fees.

Companies can apply for a grant to cover their training expenses. The eligible education and training activities depend on specific calls published. Occupational courses connected to the present economic activity of the participant are considered eligible types of training to be funded. The public co-funding is 85% of the eligible costs. The contribution compensates for tuition fees/fees for participation (external providers), costs for internal training personnel, and costs of wages during training. ESF funds are deployed for financing the scheme. Preferential treatment is given to companies hiring the low qualified, people within the age range of 55-64.

Companies may apply for the grant in the context of improving their long term competitiveness and transformation. The instrument is administered by the Industrial Development Agency (IDA). The eligible education and training activities include specific work-related training (with IDA co-funding up to 25% of the eligible costs) and general skills training (up to 60% of the eligible costs). Eligible costs include fees and other costs related to education and training. There is no preferential treatment.

Company networks composed of at least three companies where at least 50% of them are SMEs can apply for the grant. 100% funding is provided for external consulting for building and operating the confederation, identifying training needs and designing training plans, advising on the development of HRD programmes, organising training, providing support during the application process, etc. (10 days of consulting max). Moreover, up to 50% of training costs are provided for men with only compulsory education (ISCED11 0-2), women with an intermediate level of education (ISCED11 3) yet without Higher Education Entrance permission (Matura), and all employees age 45 or older. Beyond training costs, a contribution to the wage costs during participation in training is available. There is no limitation to re-use the grant.

Companies willing to hire unemployed people may receive public contributions to the costs of their training. The employer develops a training plan for each person. In addition, the person may follow external training which is related to the job the person is aiming at. The share of co-funding and the maximum amount are variable, depending on the job and the minimum wage. If the IBO (Individuele Beroepsopleiding, Individual apprenticeship) candidate has insufficient knowledge of the Dutch language, free language coaching for the candidate (and colleagues he/she has to work with) can be asked for. IBO-candidate continues to receive his/her unemployment benefits and an additional IBO-premium. The State (Ministry of Labour) funds this grant.

Within the framework of the regional strategy Industry 4.0, financed within Regional Operation Plan ESF 2014-2020, Axis A "Employment", this intervention supports the acquisition and updating of the skills of entrepreneurs, managers, freelancers, necessary to promote an economic growth that protects quality and quantity of employment and is detached from environmental degradation. This intervention is part of Giovanisì, the Tuscany Region's project for the autonomy of young people.

Internship AUB is a scheme under the Employers' Reimbursement System (AUB Fund). The instrument is an incentive for the Danish firms to establish more internships for students within vocational education. All employers that have paid contribution to the Danish labour market supplementary pension fund (ATP) for at least one full-time vocational trained employee will annually get a self-assessment with a statement of how many internships they have to establish the coming year. If the employer hired more than the fixed number of interns, they will receive a bonus for every intern hired. Firms that reach the number of established internships for students in vocational education will get a fixed bonus of DKK 25 000 DKK (approx. EUR 3 345) for every extra intern annually. The firms that do not reach the number of interns will have to pay an extra contribution to the Danish labour market supplementary pension fund.

Employers having an economic activity in Malta irrespective of their legal form receive co-funding for all type of training activities with the notable exception of compulsory training. Large, medium, small and micro companies may benefit from up to 50%, 60% or 70% of their training fees as well as receive an additional subsidy on employee wages. There is no limitation for reuse.

Employers can receive public contributions to the incurred eligible training costs. Companies receive 15% of the eligible training costs of a year (for wage costs of low qualified young adults and for employees 45+, they can receive a contribution of 20%). Upper ceilings for the public contributions per company apply, (20% of total payroll for companies with 1 to 9 employees; 3% for companies with 10 to 249 employees; 2% for companies with more than 249 employees). Continuous education and training are considered as an eligible type of training to be funded. At least 50% of training time should be scheduled within normal working hours. Eligible training also includes external and internal training, firm/sector-specific and transferable, workplace adaptation training, on-the-job training, self-learning, and e-learning, conferences, fairs, and exhibitions. Training is not cumulable with training provided under the 'individual training leave' scheme. The same applicant can use the scheme once in each calendar year.

Individuals planning to found a start-up, who are located in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, can apply for State-funded contributions to their costs for specific business-related courses. The eligible education and training activities include individual professionally related training. The scheme is governed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The selected training measure for the participant must be relevant for his/her professional life. The co-funding share is 80% and max EUR 392 of the costs for training and education. No preferential treatment is applied. There is no opportunity to re-use the scheme.

All organisations which employ at least 1 person (the type of contract is irrelevant) can apply for the grant from the National Training Fund. The eligible education and training activities include certified and non-certified continuing general education and CVET, postgraduate studies as well as exams that certify acquired skills and qualifications. The public co-funding share is 80% of employee training cost (but not exceeding 300% of the average monthly salary). In the case of micro-enterprises, reimbursement covers 100% of the training cost (but not exceeding 300% of the average monthly salary). Tuition fees and other costs related to education and training (such as cost of exams confirming acquired qualifications; physician and/or psychological test; insurance; analysis of training needs of the employer who is applying for the reimbursement) are considered eligible costs. There is no limitation to re-use the scheme.

Employers with less than 250 employees in North Rhine- Westphalia can apply for the state funded grant (voucher system). Only job-related education and training activities are eligible. The grant is co-financed by the ESF. The co-funding share is 50% of the costs for education and training (max 500 EUR). There is no preferential treatment. Re-use is possible each calendar year. An employer can receive up to ten voucher per year (yet not more than one per employee). A corresponding voucher is avaialbe for individuals.

Employers offering apprenticeships and work placements are eligible for the subsidy. The subsidy is an allowance towards the costs of an employer for the supervision of a pupil, participant or student, or an allowance towards the wage costs or supervision costs of a PhD candidate or trainee technological designer. The subsidy scheme focuses on:- vulnerable groups on the labour market for whom access to the labour market is a problem.- students following an education in sectors where there is a shortage of qualified personnel. - scientific personnel, who are indispensable to the Dutch knowledge economy.The grant covers four main types of education, this is: - Students who follow a learn-work trajectory in VMBO; - MBO students who follow a vocational guidance path (BBL); - Students who follow a dual or part-time higher professional education program; - PhD students and technological designers in training.The maximum subsidy amount is of EUR 2 700 000 per practical or work experience placement realised. De-minimis rules apply fro this grant.

The Umenia (Skills) procedure is dedicated to employers and aims to improve the skills of the workforce, promoting professional and career development. Eligible are employers who want to improve the qualifications of their employees. If the company is not operating in a priority sphere of the economy, at least 50% of the employees included in the education for higher qualification or key competencies must have at least ISCED4 educational level and be above 54 years old. Small and micro-enterprises are preferentially treated receiving 70% co-funding of the total eligible project costs.

This instrument is targeted at private sector companies to improve the working conditions for employees older than 45. A subsidy can be obtained for buying specific equipment or for participating in training aimed at improving working conditions. The training can be focused on using new ergonomic machines and equipment, acquiring additional skills for a new function, reducing psychological stress, ergonomic training, etc. Between 50% and 70% of training costs can be reimbursed (with a maximum of EUR 30 000 per project per year). There is no preferential treatment. The same applicant can use the scheme once in each calendar year.

Training grants are awarded to micro, small and medium enterprises in the craft sector. Awarding grants intend to promote targeted training programmes for crafts that ensure quality and motivated human resources with the aim of enhancing competitiveness, boosting productivity, and growing and developing craftsmanship. The maximum amount of funding depends on the type of support (e.g. the highest amount can be allocated for preparation for the masters' exam (HRK 5 400 (approx. EUR 726))). The minimum amount that can be awarded is HRK 1 200 (approx. EUR 161). The maximum grant is 80% of the amount of eligible costs. Eligible costs include the required licenses, costs for exams, specific types of (re-)training (e.g. for mortician). There is no preferential treatment.

The scheme promotes training opportunities for employees so that they can more easily adopt innovation in their companies. The focus of the programme is on the ICT sector and any other industry sector determined by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. General ICT training is available for companies working in the areas of RIS3 of Latvia. A grant is allocated as a lump-sum payment to the sectoral business association. The maximum public funding provided to one project is EUR 250 000. The funding can be transferred as an advance payment and as cost reimbursement after the completion of training. Eligible types of training include occupational courses connected to the present economic activity of the participant. The training can be provided by the enterprise itself or by external training course providers. The is no opportunity to re-use the scheme by the same applicant.

The scheme promotes training opportunities for the employees of companies so that they can more easily adopt innovation in their companies. The technology training programme focuses on companies in the manufacturing, ICT and tourism sector, global business service centres sector. An applicant, meeting pre-determined criteria, can apply for a grant. A grant is allocated as a lump-sum payment to the sectoral business association. The maximum public funding provided to one project is EUR 900 000. The funding can be transferred as an advance payment and as cost reimbursement. Eligible costs include training costs, salary costs of the training provider, travel costs and accommodation costs only for training provider and project management costs. There is no preferential treatment.

Companies with employees who have only completed compulsory education, an apprenticeship, or a vocational school or are 45 years or older are entitled to apply for the grant to co-fund training activities (for each group there are specific conditions in relation to the training funded). Generally, public co-funding is 50% of the eligible costs up to EUR 10 000 per individual employee. Beyond training costs, a contribution to the wage costs during participation in training is available. For employed (men and women) with only compulsory education, wage subsidies during training are more generous (50% of eligible wages starting with the first hour of training instead of starting after 24 hours of training). Funding is provided by the local branches of the Austrian Pubic Employment Service (AMS), following national rules; however, local differences in cost-sharing formulas are possible. There is no limitation to re-use the grant.

Companies in the construction sector in Styria can apply for the grant to finance their training costs. Steirische Wirtschaftsförderung (SFG) administrates the measure and decides upon the funding. Grants are usually allocated based on a first-come-first-served basis. Co-funding of the grant is 50% of the eligible costs (i.e., training fees). The eligible education and training activities are listed in a specific programme. The funding is provided from the regional budget. There is no preferential treatment for particular applicants. There is no limitation to re-use the grant.

This incentive provides co-funding for further education of employees, as part of the Qualifizierungsoffensive of the Federal State. All employees are eligible for funding. The qualification must take at least 160 hours, and only certified, external courses are eligible. The share of co-funding and wage subsidy depends on the size of the company. The share of co-funding of training costs is from 15 (for comp. > 2 500 employees) to 100% (<10 employees). The same applicant can use this scheme once in each calendar year.

Companies facing economic problems and which introduced economic downtime or reduced number of working hours may apply for the grant from the Labour Fund. Any training justified by the present or future needs of the company is eligible. The public co-funding share is up to 80% of employee training costs (but not exceeding 300% of the average monthly salary). There is no preferential treatment. There is no limitation to re-use the scheme.

Companies receive a wage subsidy for employing newly graduated, inexperienced recruits to fill in critical vacancies. The graduates undergo a 6-month on-the-job training programme which is monitored by the HRDA. The enterprises must retain the graduates for a further 2 months-period before they can apply for subsidy (from HRDA). The subsidy covers the 6-month period of training. The employer is obliged to pay the graduate a minimum gross monthly salary of EUR 950. In return, the employer receives from HRDA, at the end of the eight (8) month retainment period, up to EUR 1 100 monthly subsidies for the six months duration of the training. The subsidy/grant is paid by HRDA entirely from its own HRDA fund (no co-funding from any source). The exact amount of subsidy can reach up to 80% of eligible costs which cover the graduate's and the supervisor's salary costs and any other training-related expenses. Graduates under the age of 30 who completed successfully a course of at least 3 years of study in a tertiary education establishment are eligible to participate in the programme provided they do not possess working experience of more than 8 months in the field of the prospective job. Graduates can only participate in the programme once. There are limits to the number of participants/per year in the scheme according to the size of the companies.

Companies that are in one of the Skillnet Business Networks, providing subisdised training are eligible for this grant. Skillnets training networks programme (TNP) is funded from the National Training Fund. Eligible training covers a wide range of industry sectors and geographical regions, financial services training and management development. Up to 50% of all eligible costs can be subsidised. There is no limitation for re-use. No preferential treatment established.

The Department for Health provides funding for employers in the care sector to up-skill their staff. Employers may apply for funding for training programmes that range from health and social care 'license to practice' qualifications to higher-level apprenticeships and Master's courses. Funding is available for course fees (or employer contributions) and associated costs such as employees' salaries while they are undertaking training, coaching and mentoring costs, venue costs for the training, and wage replacement costs. All costs must be incurred before being claimed and employers will need records in place to provide evidence. Organisations apply for the fund through a Partnership and must be operating in England, comply with Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set requirements. The sectors eligible for funding (i.e. priority training areas for fundings) are defined each annual funding cycle and available through the skills for care website. This is de minimis grant funding.

Skills for Work (SFW) is a scheme aimed at providing training opportunities to help employees deal with the basic skills demands of the workplace. It is implemented by the Education & training boards (ETB) of the Department of Education and Skills. Employees with low levels of educational qualifications are eligible for this scheme (typically participants in this programme are people who have left school without receiving a leaving certificate). Most of the programmes offer free of charge a nationally recognised certification. No cash contributions are made. Employers release employees from work to attend Skills for work courses. The programmes are delivered by Education and Training Boards across Ireland. There is no limitation to re-use the scheme for the same applicant.

Skills Support for the Workforce is managed by Serco (contractor) through 15 Local Enterprise Partnerships to provide a range of bespoke training programmes and qualifications including IT, leadership, and management, as well as vocationally relevant courses targeting specific areas of improvement. The training is designed to meet skills gaps within local businesses, with a focus on the LEP's priorities to help boost the local economy in each area. Local companies (depending on region and regional priorities) can apply for fully-funded training for their workforce. There is no defined co-funding minimum or maximum, this is a demand-side instrument that is then allocated through regional enterprise partnerships. Similarly, eligible training is defined according to regional priorities. Employers can receive full or partial funding training costs for their employees. This is de minimis funding.

SMEs and self-employed persons located in Flanders, who are active in particular sectors/occupations selected by the Flemish Government (BvR) can apply for contributions to their training costs. The Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship Agency (VLAIO) is the main entity responsible for the management of this instrument. The eligible education and training activities have to improve the current and future performance of the core functions of the enterprise. Small enterprises are entitled to a subsidy of up to 30% via SME portfolio (with a maximum of support of EUR 7 500 per year) and medium-sized enterprises are entitled to a subsidy of up to 20% via SME portfolio (with a maximum of support of EUR 7 500 per year). Eligible costs include tuition fees, travel costs of trainer and catering (up to EUR 25 per day). No preferential treatment is applied for any eligible groups. The scheme can be used once in each calendar year.

Employers experiencing certain difficulties can appeal for the Social intervention fund of VDAB (Flemish public employment agency) to pay for the outplacement of employees. VDAB chooses an outplacement agency and pays outplacement and training costs up to EUR 1 635 per employee becoming unemployed after e.g. bankruptcy. In addition, there is a fee of EUR 1 090 for every successful outplacement (i.e. resulting in a new job). Finally costs for training necessary to maintain or to increase labour market-related competencies are compensated for. The system already existed at the national Belgian level, however, since the 6th reform, the system has been moved to the 3 regions (Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels).

Chambers of Commerce and Industry - legal persons of public utility, employers' organisations (employers' associations, employers' federations, employers' confederations, or territorial employers' unions), and business associations can apply for the grant. Grants are provided by the Management Authority for the Operational Programme Human Capital (MA OPHC) within the Ministry of European Funds. Eligible training is for increasing the level of digital competencies for all employees in the public and private sectors. Minimum co-funding is 80,75% (for private companies) and maximum co-funding is 85% (for non-governmental organisations). The maximum amount for an application is RON 4 770 000 (approx. EUR 983 881), the conditions related to the maximum amount being to have elaborated and implemented 1 training plan for min 250 employees that attend a Qualification programme for level 3 EQF, with a duration of 1080 training hours. There is no preferential treatment. An applicant can only apply once for the grant under a specific ESF call

Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, trade unions, members of sectoral committees and sectoral committees with legal personality, employers' organizations, professional associations, public or private centers for validation/certification of previous learning, authorized CVT providers, public and private, professional / career counseling and guidance service providers, NGOs can apply for the grant. Eligible training should be focused on employees' skills update and development. Minimum co-funding is 80, 75% (for private companies) and maximum co-funding is 85% (for non-governmental organisations). The maximum amount for an application RON 4 770 00 (approx. EU 983 881). There is no preferential treatment. An applicant can only apply once for the grant under a specific ESF call.

Employees with an individual employment contract (full time or part-time) who come from companies that carry out their main or secondary activity in one of the economic sectors with competitive potential are eligible for the grant. ​Grants are provided by the Management Authority for the Operational Programme Human Capital (MA OPHC) within the Ministry of European Funds. Eligible training is focused on employees' skills update and development. Min co-funding is 80, 75% (for private companies) and max co-funding is 85% (for Non-governmental organisations). The maximum amount for an application is RON 4 800 000 (approx. EUR 1 004 814), the conditions related to the maximum amount being to have min. 250 employees trained in a full qualification/project, of which min. 200 certified employees/project. There is no preferential treatment. An applicant can only apply once for the grant under a specific ESF call

Employers' organisations (employers' associations, employers' federations, employers' confederations), business associations, trade unions can apply for the grant. Grants are provided by the Management Authority for the ESF Operational Programme Human Capital (MA OPHC) within the Ministry of European Funds. Eligible training is focused on the employees' skills update and development. Co-funding ranges between 75% for private companies and 85% for non-governmental organisations. The maximum amount for an application is RON 4 800 000 (approx. EUR 1 004 814), the conditions related to the maximum amount being to have at least 250 employees trained in a full qualification/project, of which at least 200 certified employees/project. There is no preferential treatment. An applicant can only apply once for the grant under a specific ESF call.

All companies located in Flanders are eligible to receive a public grant, but they need to present (either as a single company or in cooperation with others) a large-scale development plan. Education and training related to such a development plan is eligible for funding. The Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship Agency (VLAIO) is the main entity managing this instrument. A company or a group of companies may receive support equivalent to 20% of eligible training costs (fees and other related costs). Training projects need to have a minimum value ranging from EUR 100 000 to EUR 700 000, depending on the type of company or network of companies. No preferential treatment is applied.

At the request of the employer the VDAB (Flemish employment agency) organises training for employees in its competence centers. Normally this training is paid, however partial or total exemption can be obtained for particular categories of employees (e.g. starting employees, employees at risk of becoming unemployed, employees with medical incapacity of continuing their current job). Subsidy ranges from 25% to full reimbursement (for the medical incapacity category). All companies are eligible (although only those operating in the region of Flanders), but priority is ensured for companies with less than 25 employees.

During participation in training, a wage replacement is made available, paid either to the enterprise (in case the enterprise continues to pay the wage during the training spell) or to the individual (in case that the employer provides no wage during the training). In the former case, it is an incentive to the enterprises, in the second case, it is the equivalent of unpaid educational leave with a public wage replacement payment. General conditions for individuals to be eligible groups are that they must be employed at the time of applying for training. This includes employees, self-employed, full-time, and part-time workers. Their educational background should not exceed general vocational training (ISCED 5) unless qualifications have not been in use for the past 5 years. If the individual is paid by his/her employer during the training period the company may apply for reimbursement of the wage costs . If the individual is not paid during the training period, he/she is entitled to wage compensation up to DKK 4 405 (approx. EUR 589) per week. Travel costs may also be covered.

Through this grant foreign investors who have enterprises in Lithuania can apply for funding to create conditions for employees of foreign investors to acquire specific competences and adapt to economic changes. Continous vocational training is eligible for funding. The maximum possible amount of project depends on the call. The co-funding rate varies between 50% and 70%, depending on the size of the company and whether it includes trainees from vulnerable groups. All type of training-related costs is eligible.

Companies in the sector of household/personal services receive a fixed amount of money for their employees in training (flat-rate of EUR 14.50) to compensate for wage loss. In addition, the training cost itself can be compensated (up to certain maximum amount per trainee or per hour). Training is subsidised by the region (EUR 150 for 9 hours and EUR 300 for 18 hours). The budget can only be used for approved/accredited training programmes. This training fund is attributed to household/personal services companies on an annual basis. Funds are distributed in case of meeting pre-determined criteria best (through top-down procedures). All employees working in the sector of household services and registered in the system of 'recognised service cheque company' are eligible groups for this instrument (being registered is a must). The measure cannot be re-used.

Companies providing training for specific target groups (the newly employed, employees at risk of losing their jobs due to lack of professional knowledge and skills, as well as employees in training for work at multiple workplaces or work operations and employees affected by business reorganisation and organisational changes) can apply for this grant. It is implemented by the Croatian Employmenr Service (CES). Eligible training includes training to obtain a qulification at ISCED level 2-5, general courses (e.g. language courses) and occupational courses connected to the present economic activity of the participants. Depending on the size of the enterprise co-funding rate may differ (e.g. small businesses can receive up to 70% of co-funding and companies employing disadvantaged workers can receive up to 60% of co-funding). The maximum amount of support for training per individual is up to HRK 18 000 (approx. EUR 2 418). The funding covers a broad range of costs, including tuition fees, costs for internal training personnel, costs for training materials, depreciation costs, travel costs and related costs for counselling.

All companies can apply for a financial grant providing co-funding to the training of employees. The training grant for employers can be used for the following activities: 1) to recruit and train employees for the specified/prioritised professions; 2) to (re)train employees due to changing circumstances (e.g. restructuring of the company, adoption of new technologies, updated qualification requirements); and/or 3) to help employees develop Estonian language skills. An employer can design a training plan for each employee consisting of multiple training with a total duration of at least 80 academic hours and up to one year. In general, up to 50% of training costs are compensated but no more than EUR 1 250 per employee. For employees over 50 years old, with no vocational education and/or no sufficient Estonian language skills or significant health problems, up to 80% of costs is compensated (no more than EUR 2 000). If an employee was hired through the Unemployment Insurance Fund where s/he was previously registered as unemployed, up to 100% of training costs are compensated (no more than EUR 2 500). It is financed out of the unemployment insurance contributions (which are compulsory and shared between employees and employers in Estonia). This support measure is part of the larger Work and Study 2017-2020 programme, which supports training activities in priority sectors that were identified in sector-specific labour studies (OSKA reports) conducted by the Estonian Qualification Authority (Kutsekoda).

This is a 5-year project that offers free training for mentors of high school pupils and students in the field of vocational education. The project encourages strengthening the skills of mentors in companies for the quality implementation of mentoring high school pupils and students that must undergo vocational/practical training within their formal educational programme. The funds (80% EU-provided, 20% SI-provided) are allocated each year to two applicants that were granted through a public tender in 2016. There is no preferential treatment.

The vocational training contribution is a kind of training levy enterprises are required to pay. The base of vocational training contribution is the base of social contribution tax. The rate is 1.5 percent. Under the 2011 act on the vocational training contribution it can be paid in several ways: (a) by providing apprenticeship training to apprentices in upper-secondary VET and certain higher education programmes (b) by providing or financially supporting employees' training (up to 16.5% of the training levy), under certain conditions (c) by paying it into the National Employment Fund training sub-fund. Accordingly, to the 2011 act on the vocational training contribution, companies can allocate a part of their training levy to co-finance their employees' vocational and foreign language training. However, this option is only available for companies that also provide practical training to at least 30 apprentices (VET school learners), and only up to at most 16.5% of the amount of their training levy. Due to these strict criteria, only a few large companies make use of this measure.

Companies with employees whose regular employment cannot be ensured without training can apply for a state-funded grant between 70% and 100% to cover the costs of training these employees. The employer has to contribute to the costs of training and must continue the employment of the employee for at least the same period as the training. Employers may be awarded a grant by the local employment offices for all employment-promoting training that is covered by the Vocational Training Act or is regulated by official regulations. Eligible costs include fees and other costs related to education and training (costs of materials, travel, accommodation, etc.) and wage subsidy. Preferential treatment exists for employees above 45 years, as 100% of the costs are reimbursed to the employer. There is no limitation for re-use.

Companies located in the French-speaking Walloon Region (only micro, small and medium-sized companies, MSMEs) may receive vouchers, co-funded by PES, for training their employees. A training voucher with a validity period of 1 year can be purchased for EUR 15 and is worth EUR 30 (including VAT). Depending on the size of the company, the number of training vouchers the company may obtain varies between 80 and 800. Training vouchers cannot be combined with other aid granted by the Walloon Region. Only the courses/programmes provided by accredited training institutions are eligible. Type of education eligible refers to training on different domains, e.g. languages, accounting, ICT, HRM, technological. Courses can be programmes leading to a formal qualification, general courses, occupational courses. In addition to the 'regular' training vouchers, there exist 2 other targeted training vouchers: (1) training vouchers for learning languages (FR: cheque-formation langue) and (2) training vouchers for learning activities in the domain of environmental studies (FR: chčque-formation éco-climat).

The training voucher is a personal voucher for companies and their employees working in the temporary work sector. DOORZAAM, being the sector training fund for temporary work agencies, manages the voucher subsidy. The value of these vouchers for each employee working as temporary workers in the sector where DOORZAAM operates is set at EUR 500. The company members of DOORZAAM (= the temporary work agencies) can apply for a maximum of 5 vouchers per company and distribute these vouchers to their employees according to their own preferences. The voucher can be spent freely by the selected employees, where the learning can be of any type, either leading to a formal qualification or any occupational courses aimed at the present economic activity of the participant (a professional training, a course in English, Excel, etc). Eligible costs include tuition fees as well as costs for training materials. There are no limitations for re-use, and de-Minimis rules do not apply.

Employers located in the Walloon region hiring former unemployed as trainees are eligible for this grant. The employer does not pay a salary to the trainees but a lump sum (indemnité forfaitaire), according to the work performed by the trainee and based on the future wage, to FOREM (Walloon regional employment agency). The training period should last between 4 and 26 weeks. Under particular circumstances, the training period can be extended to 52 weeks. The trainee continues to receive social allowances and receives a monthly bonus from FOREM. This instrument is targeted at any unemployed job seeker registered with Forem. Since the reform in 2019 the employer has to be either a natural person or a legal entity, an autonomous public enterprise or a local authority or a temporary employment agency. The objective of the Plan Formation-Insertion (PFI) is to allow the jobseeker to acquire the necessary skills to be integrated/employed in the company providing training.

This scheme is based on the 'regular' Plan Formation-Insertion (PFI) which is deployed in Wallonia. It is a separate system targeted for transport, more specifically truck and bus/coach drivers. This scheme is specifically targeted to train candidates to obtain the necessary driving licenses for trucks and bus/coach. FOREM (Walloon public employment agency) is the main entity involved in the management of this grant. This grant is provided in the form of a lump sum, to cover specific expenses for obtaining the corresponding driving licence. Up to EUR 50 00 are provided to cover expenses for driving school courses, including theoretical and practical exams.

Employers can apply for this grant supporting the training of employees delivered in order to increase the employability of its current employees. The amount of funding is calculated as a percentage of eligible costs and is directly transferred to the employer as cost reimbursement. The share of co-funding is 50-70% of eligible costs. Up to 60% of direct costs can be covered for medium-sized enterprises and up to 70% for small enterprises. The maximum amount of funding is EUR 2 000 000 per project. Eligible costs include direct costs related to the training provision: tuition fees, costs for training materials, and travel costs.