Support for obtaining qualifications

Name of the instrument - Local language: Kvalifikatsiooni saamise toetamine
Name of the instrument - English translation: Support for obtaining qualifications
Scheme ID: 278
Country: Estonia
Reporting year: 2020
Type of instrument: Grant for individuals
Sub-type of instrument: Lump-sum support
Type of entry: Single instrument

Short description: All individuals meeting pre-determined criteria (i.e. individuals who obtained a qualification within no longer than 3 years or employed persons who have completed a respective labour market training arranged by Unemployed Insurance Funds or for whom an employer received the training grant) can apply for a financial grant for up to EUR 500 within 3 years (the minimum amount of funding is not set). The fund is allocated under the budget of Estonian Unemployment Insurance Funds. The fund can be used for obtaining formal qualifications (ISCED 2-5). The grant is transferred (the costs are reimbursed) to an individual or employer, who covered training costs, only when the participant receives a positive exam evaluation. There is no opportunity to apply for a grant more than once.
Short description of the related instruments: Not applicable

Level of operation

National

Name of a part of the country

Not applicable

Name of the region (for regional instruments)

Not applicable

Name of the sector (for sectoral instruments)

Not applicable

Relevance

Key instrument

Legal basis

Tööhõiveprogramm 2017-2020 (directive) under Labour Market Services and Benefits Act §4 (1) (2006)

Objective(s) and target(s)

The instrument is part of the larger 'Work and Study' Programme 2017-2020. According to the respective act (Tööhõiveprogramm 2017-2020, 2016), the overall objectives of the programme are the following: 'to alleviate labor shortages, prevent unemployment and shorten the duration of unemployment, and assist persons whose employment is difficult due to long-term unemployment or other obstacles.' (§2)

Year of implementation

2015

Year of latest amendment

2020

Operation/management

This instrument is managed by the Unemployment Insurance Fund and is funded from the Unemployment Insurance contributions (from the second half of 2020, it is also funded from the European Social Fund). Annual budget allocations are stipulated in the founding legal act (Tööhõiveprogramm 2017-2020, 2016) and changes are made in consultation with the Ministry of Social Affairs. Social partner bodies (trained unions and employer associations/federations) are not involved in the operation/ management process of the grant.

Eligible group(s)

All individuals who obtained a qualification within no longer than 3 years. Also, individuals who are employed, who have completed a respective labour market training arranged by the Unemployed Insurance Fund, for whom an employer received the training grant from the Unemployment Insurance Fund.

Group(s) with preferential treatment

No preferential treatment

Education and training eligible

Programmes leading to a formal qualification (ISCED 2-5 levels) are eligible.

Source of financing and collection mechanism

Unemployment Insurance Fund (employees and employers contributions); National budget (minor allocations); the Europen Social Fund (since the second half of 2020)

Financing formula and allocation mechanisms

An individual meeting pre-determined criteria can apply for allocation of EUR 500 in three years for training (i.e. obtaining a formal qualification). The amount of funding is transferred (reimbursed) directly to the learner via her/his bank account or to the employer who covered the training costs for an employee. The requirement in order to receive the reimbursement is a positive final examination of the participant.

Eligible costs

Costs related to pre-exam consultations, qualification exam cost, including state fees

Volumes of funding

Overall volumes of funding available:2018: EUR 37 7542019: EUR 25 2692020: EUR 26 880Overall volumes of funding anctually disbursed:2017: EUR 3 1932018: EUR 12 7512019: EUR 31 776

Beneficiaries/take up

Total number of beneficiaries:2017: 392018: 1422019: 345

Organisation responsible for monitoring/evaluation

Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund

Monitoring/evaluation reports available

Not available

Most relevant webpage - in English