Jobs, skills and entrepreneurship in Eastern and Northern Finland Objective 1 programmes Vitality through ram

Transcription

1 European Social Fund Jobs, skills and entrepreneurship in Eastern and Northern Finland Objective 1 programmes ESF funding application guide Vitality through ram EU programmes vskraft

2 Contents: ESF Funding for Objective 1 programmes... 3 Objective 1 programmes are regional development programmes in Eastern and Northern Finland... 3 Map of Objective 1 regions... 4 The ESF in Finland... 4 The aims of ESF activities... 4 Target results of ESF measures... 4 The ESF's role in Objective 1 programmes... 5 From idea to project from project to practice... 5 From idea to project... 5 ESF projects... 5 Applying for funding: the project application form... 6 Selection of ESF projects... 6 Project implementation... 6 A good project... 6 From project to practice... 6 Objective 1 programme for Eastern Finland... 7 Strategic goals of the programme... 7 Selection criteria... 7 Further information to be obtained from the regions... 7 ESF measures under the Objective 1 programme for Eastern Finland... 8 Measure 2.1. Development of training and education systems and improvement of the quality and effectiveness of training and education... 8 Measure 2.2. Developing competence capital and occupational expertise... 9 Measure 2.3. Increasing job creation and improving the functioning of the labour market...10 Measure 2.4. Promoting equality in working life...11 Objective 1 programme for Northern Finland...12 Strategic aims of the programme...12 Selection criteria...12 Further information to be obtained from the regions...12 ESF measures under the Objective 1 programme for Northern Finland...13 Measure 1.3. Personnel development in companies and promotion of entrepreneuship...13 Measure 2.6. Development of skills and expertise in rural areas...14 Measure 3.2. Promotion of skills and key sectors...15 Measure 3.3 Raising the employment rate and preventing unemployment...16 Measure 3.4 Prevention of jobseekers exclusion from the labour market and promotion of equality in the labour market...17 Further information

3 European Social Fund Funding for Objective 1 programmes Objective 1 programmes are regional development programmes in Eastern and Northern Finland Objective 1 programmes are being implemented in ten EU Member States to develop regions which are lagging behind and to promote structural change. In , two of the programmes are being carried out in Finland, one in Eastern Finland and the other in Northern Finland. The main targets of both programmes are to advance economic growth and enterprise, promote job creation, improve the employment situation and enhance the level of people's skills and expertise. The aim is to raise local GDP closer to the national level. The development programmes have been drawn up by the regions themselves, on the basis of regional needs and strategies. Regional goals and strategies vary according to the focus areas of development in each region. The objective programmes are funded by the European Social Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (Guidance Section) and the Financial Instrument of Fisheries Guidance. In addition to the structural funds, the programmes are co-funded by State authorities, municipalities and other public and private organisations. The funding is spread across the seven years of the programme ( ) in four regions for both Objective 1 programmes: Kainuu, North Karelia, North and South Savo in Eastern Finland, and Lapland, North Ostrobothnia, Central Finland and Central Ostrobothnia in Northern Finland. The measures supported by the ESF are co-financed by the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Ministry of the Interior. As a rule, the funding decisions are made by the regional authorities. The regions draw up regional management documents annually, defining each authority's contribution to the funding. Implementation of the programme is coordinated by the Regional Management Committees in accordance with regional strategies. The principles of Objective 1 programmes for Eastern and Northern Finland are described in the single programming documents for prepared by the European Commission and the Finnish authorities. The programming documents can be viewed at on the Internet site of the Ministry of the Interior. Total funding for the programmes; ESF's contribution in euro ESF funding National Estimated Funding for Objective 1 public private ESF activities, programme funding funding total funding, total Eastern Finland Northern Finland Objective 1 programme, total Regional vitality through EU programmes 3

4 Objective Areas and Programmes in Finland The ESF in Finland Åland Province of Western Finland Objective Area 1 Transition Period Area do not apply to ESF) Objective Area 2 Objective Area 3 Province of Lapland Province of Oulu The Objective 3 Programme, which is solely funded by the ESF, is carried out in the areas outside Objective 1 Employment and Economic Development Centres 1. Uusimaa 2. Varsinais-Suomi 3. Satakunta 4. Häme 5. Pirkanmaa 6. South-Eastern Finland 7. South Savo 8. North Savo Province of Southern Finland Province of Eastern Finland Province border E&E Center border 9. North Karelia 10. Central Finland 11. Southern Ostrobothnia 12. Swedish Ostrobothnia 13. Northern Ostrobothnia 14. Kainuu 15. Lapland The European Social Fund (ESF) is the main instrument in turning the EU's employment, education and business policy objectives into practical measures in the Member States. The Fund's task is to help prevent unemployment, promote workers' occupational skills and support companies' capacity to meet new challenges in working life. The aim is to promote the functioning of the labour market and lifelong learning, to develop an active training, education and employment policy to prevent unemployment, and avert social exclusion. Another aim is to increase resources in research, science and technology. The ESF also strives to promote equal opportunities in working life and gender equality. The aims of ESF activities ESF activities are guided by an ESF policy frame of reference in all structural fund programmes carried out in Finland. The frame of reference focuses on four areas: 1. Taking advantage of the demand for labour and promoting jobseekers' employment potential 2. Promoting equality and equal opportunities in working life 3. Improving the quality and effectiveness of training and education systems, improving occupational mobility and strengthening the relationships between training and education, and working life 4. Developing the competence capital to support enterprise, reforms of working life, and research and technology The ESF frame of reference also focuses on promoting the development of an information society, gender equality, local partnership, sustainable development and an anticipatory approach to employment policy. Finnish ESF activities also address the following principles: innovation and the added value gained from EFS activity, centralization and effectiveness of measures, transparency of measures, and lifelong learning. 4

5 Target results of ESF measures The goal of Finnish ESF activities is to find, test, produce and implement new approaches for Finnish employment, training, education and business policies, and to disseminate good practices. ESF activities should be regarded as product development with a view to developing human resources by promoting training and education, and to increasing the supply of trained, skilled labour to ensure a secure and stable employment situation. ESF measures are meant to supplement national measures. The ESF's role in Objective 1 programmes ESF funding under Objective 1 programmes focuses on: supporting enterprises and entrepreneurship, promoting job creation, jobseekers' employability and equal opportunities on the labour market, improving training and education systems, and their quality and effectiveness, and promoting their links with working life, raising the level of competence and competence capital, creating new operating models for working life, training and education, improving cooperation between training and education institutions and enterprises, maintaining the vitality of remote areas and promoting cooperation between rural areas and regional growth centres. From idea to project from project to practice From idea to project Developing an idea into a project plan requires careful preparations. A project is a process of seeking solutions to the problems and challenges outlined in the project objectives. To ensure the functioning of a project, it is important to take the target group's needs into account at the planning stage and to see that the target groups are committed to the planned activity. A well prepared project draws on existing knowledge and past experiences and involves a detailed analysis of the target areas. The main partners required for the project should be involved in the planning as early as possible. ESF projects An ESF project is a set of tasks which is based on a project plan, with clearly defined goals, divisions of labour, duration and budget. Used as the basis for steering and monitoring, the project plan defines a wide range of aspects related to the project: the goals, results, effects, target groups, content, project management, schedules, monitoring and reporting, costs, funding, available resources, etc. ESF projects always have a direct or indirect target group, such as jobseekers, entrepreneurs, employees, students and trainees, those who have completed their training, teachers and other training staff. They may also include system development projects with no specific target group which indirectly improve the employment and employment potential of the above target groups. Projects carried out under Objective 1 programmes are launched regionally or locally and may consist of one or several measures. Each project can come under only one programme and programme s measure. Projects may be carried out by an enterprise, an educational institution, a municipality, a nonprofit organisation or another organisation. The project partners participate in the planning, implementation and monitoring of the projects. Regional vitality through EU programmes 5

6 Applying for funding: the project application form ESF funding for a project is applied for through an ESF project application form, which can be downloaded from the labour administration's Internet pages at ESF project applications to the educational administration are submitted on forms which can be downloaded from the Ministry of Education's website at opm/rakennerahastot/index.html. The applicant must agree on cooperation with other implementers of the project. In all cases, the applicant has the overall responsibility for the project - e.g. achieving the project goals, managing the funds and monitoring related to participants. Project funding consists of funding from the ESF, the State, municipalities and the private sector mainly small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Information on ESF activities and funding under Objective 1 programmes is provided by the authorities co-funding the projects. Project implementers are sought through open calls for applications as well as through requests for tender. Further information on project planning can be obtained from the ESF coordinators at Employment and Economic Development Centres, EU coordinators at Provincial State Offices, and other ESF contact persons at Regional Councils and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. Selection of ESF projects ESF projects must comply with the goals and principles of the relevant Objective programme and meet the general selection criteria for the prog-ramme, measure-specific selection criteria for ESF projects and the region's own selection criteria. Projects must comply with the national legislation related to the financing authority and the legislation on structural funds and other EU legislation. The organisation implementing the project must be reliable and financially sound. Implementation of a project is decided on by the authority responsible for the project funding. Project implementation The organisation implementing an ESF project must manage the project in accordance with directions from the body financing it. ESF project accounts must be kept separately. ESF support is paid to the organisation retroactively against the actual eligible expenses incurred. The target groups must be informed of opportunities to participate by the project organizers. The results of projects and any good practices developed must be communicated to the funding bodies, partners, sectoral players and the public. The funding bodies will also require follow-up information presented in a specific form and reports on project activities. The steering group established to support an ESF project must include representatives of all the main partners and expert bodies monitoring and supporting progress of the project. A good project is based on actual needs builds on anticipation data/feasibility studies/analysis of past experiences ensures commitment and mutual interaction between the target group and the partners from the beginning partnership is flexible, with operating approaches which are easily adjusted according to monitoring data and feedback a learning process consists of activities familiar to the operating environment and connects with regional development on a larger scale through networks with other development initiatives and various authorities operates under the implementing organisation in a controlled, planned manner efficiency, economy and project management skills has clear, realistic goals, achievement of which is measured and analysed effectiveness From project to practice The term 'good practice' refers to an innovative cooperation network, operating approach or process developed and proved effective in an ESF project. At their best, innovative good practices can be implemented as new tools for national employment, education and business policies and disseminated through networking and cooperation between the authorities and project partners. 6

7 Objective 1 programme for Eastern Finland The Objective 1 programme for Eastern Finland is being implemented in the regions of North and South Savo, North Karelia and Kainuu. Strategic goals of the programme The strategic goal of the Objective 1 programme for Eastern Finland is to encourage business operations based on the strengths of the regional economies and new opportunities for global competitiveness and strong economic growth. This should be done by developing the region's business life and improving the employment situation. Strengthening of regional business life and the construction of an information society will be supported by boosting competence systems and structures. The programme aims at strengthening successful businesses, bringing about a larger variety of enterprises in sectors where there is a great deal of special expertise, removing obstacles to development, improving employment and preventing social marginalization. Selection criteria Projects funded under the Objective 1 programme for Eastern Finland must: 1. comply with the programme and support the programme strategy and regional focus areas, 2. be feasible, 3. be economically viable and cost-efficient, and the implementing body must have the capacity to carry out the project, 4. have had its environmental impact assessed and comply with the principles of sustainable development, 5. create permanent/long-term added value, 6. promote job creation or reform existing workplaces, 7. create new enterprise and promote commitment in business life, 8. improve the competitiveness of enterprises, 9. be innovative and raise the level of expertise, 10. develop the structures and expertise related to the information society, 11. promote gender equality, 12. advance the principles of sustainable development, 13. benefit from or promote regional culture in the development of business life, 14. improve natural habitats or cultural landscapes, or increase environmental awareness and expertise, 15. increase interaction between rural and urban areas, 16. increase interaction between business life and the education system and promote their international contacts. All projects must meet the selection criteria 1-5; selection criteria 6-16 are guidelines. Further information to be obtained from the regions Further information on main development targets and application periods in individual regions is available from Employment and Economic Development Centres, Provincial State Offices, Regional Councils and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The addresses are presented at the end of this guide. Regional vitality through EU programmes 7

8 ESF measures under the Objective 1 programme for Eastern Finland Measure 2.1. Development of training and education systems and improvement of the quality and effectiveness of training and education Availability of highly skilled labour will continue to be a significant factor in the attractiveness and competitiveness of Eastern Finland and in combating depopulation. High-quality training and education and close interaction between these and the labour market are key elements in development and employment in Eastern Finland. To raise the level of education and research and to increase their effectiveness in the region, development of training and education systems includes improving methods of efficiently passing on technological expertise and innovations that meet the needs of regional business. Activity will focus on eliminating regional bottlenecks in training and improving cooperation between schools and working life and promoting on-the-job-learning. Better training and education systems will help to promote interaction between rural and urban areas. The programme supports long-term measures extending beyond the programme period. The measures will address focus area 3 in the ESF frame of reference (Improving the quality and effectiveness of training and education, promoting occupational mobility and strengthening links between training and education and working life). Activities eligible for funding must increase the range and volume of training and education in the regions' key production sectors and in areas of business and technological expertise related to business life, including conversion training and further training aiming at vocational qualifications and other similar training programmes improve the conditions for applied research to benefit higher education and business life develop mechanisms of technology transfer develop innovative training and learning methods, technology and material, course content and learning environments, especially distance learning methods and content production increase cooperation between training and education and working life in accordance with the principles of lifelong learning, advance on-the-job-learning and career and recruitment services, and promote networking support apprenticeship training in key production sectors and develop a skills test system which would support key sectors, train the working population (including teachers), specifically in key regional production sectors Funding is granted by The Ministry of Education through Provincial State Offices, the Ministry of Labour through the employment departments of Employment and Economic Development Centres, the Ministry of the Interior through Regional Councils Funding may be applied for by public and private organisations training, research and development organisations Target groups (beneficiaries) Employees, jobseekers (e.g. those currently in conversion training), entrepreneurs, self-employed people, students, ageing workforce Selection criteria for ESF projects Priority will be given to projects which develop structures of education and research produce expertise for key business sectors (to fill skills gaps) particularly by developing training models with close links to working life improve the target groups skills related to the information society 8

9 Measure 2.2. Developing competence capital and occupational expertise Ensuring the availability of highly skilled labour will continue to be a significant factor in the attractiveness and competitiveness of Eastern Finland and in combating depopulation. High-quality training and education and a close interaction between these and the labour market are key elements in development and employment in Eastern Finland. Special attention will be paid to promoting research and product development capacity and skills related to the information society. Centres of expertise and similar operating models will be created to meet companies need for experts. Special attention will also be paid to SMEs and microenterprises. The projects should enhance companies capacity to anticipate change and modernize their operating approaches. Better training and education systems will help to promote interaction between rural and urban areas. The programme supports long-term measures extending beyond the programme period. The measures will address focus area 4 in the ESF frame of reference (Creating competence capital to support enterprise, implementing working life reforms and taking advantage of research and technology). Activities eligible for the funding shall increase the range and volume of training and education promoting working life reforms in key production sectors in the region, and in business and technological expertise serving business life, including conversion training leading to vocational qualifications, further training and other corresponding training improve the conditions for applied research for the benefit of higher education and business life develop mechanisms of technology transfer develop the activities of centres of excellence and competence clusters provide training for entrepreneurs, management, key employees and other personnel improve companies competence related to export, marketing, product development and quality, and implementation of new technology increase cooperation between training and education and working life in accordance with the principles of lifelong learning, and promote networking, train the working population (including teachers), particularly in regional key production sectors take the special cultural characteristics of the region into account and apply them to the development of business life develop new operating models to be used in training, education and working life improve the information society skills of businesses by promoting the networking of businesses, educational institutions and development organisations provide training which promotes and supports entrepreneurship develop voluntary adult education, personnel training and labour market training for the needs of business life safeguard training opportunities for those in atypical employment relationships maintain people s working capacity advance environmental expertise improve work organisations improve companies ability to anticipate change train the ageing workforce Funding is granted by: The Ministry of Education through Provincial State Offices, the Ministry of Labour through the employment departments at Employment and Economic Development Centres, the Ministry of Trade and Industry through the business departments of Employment and Economic Development Centres, the Ministry of the Interior through Regional Councils Funding may be applied for by: public and private organisations training, research and development organisations Target groups (beneficiaries) Employees, jobseekers (e.g. those in conversion training), entrepreneurs, self-employed people, students Selection criteria for ESF projects Priority will be given to projects which improve the competence of existing and future personnel of companies particularly with regard to using the latest information and technology promote enterprise and support companies growth promote people s capacity to deal with changes in working life promote training and competence required in competence clusters Regional vitality through EU programmes 9

10 Measure 2.3. Increasing job creation and improving the functioning of the labour market In Eastern Finland, decline in the unemployment rate has been slower than in other parts of the country and is still higher than average. As demand for labour focuses mainly on those who have been unemployed for a short time only, long-term un-employment has not declined at a desired pace. Long-term unemployment and the consequent risk of social exclusion will be a serious problem during the programme period and must be addressed with special measures. The functioning of the labour market will be improved by improving the labour market skills of those special groups of jobseekers who are difficult to place, maintaining their working capacity and preventing their exclusion from the labour market. This calls for the creation of effective anticipation systems related to working life and training needs, development of flexible operating models, and development and testing of activation, training and employment opportunities to supplement the usual labour market programme measures. The measures will benefit from pilot projects on local and regional partnerships and incorporate the opportunities provided by the third sector and civil society. The measures will address focus area 1 in the ESF frame of reference (Benefiting from the demand for labour and promoting jobseekers employability) Activities eligible for the funding shall develop and benefit from anticipation of changes in working life and training needs promote community-based enterprise launch local and regional partnership and employment projects and activate player networks create employment models that take advantage of opportunities provided by the third sector and civil society develop innovative methods of active labour market policy, including career and recruitment services promote voluntary training and training based on labour market needs, including on-the-job training improve jobseekers employment potential develop and support the activities of intermediary organisations Funding is granted by The Ministry of Education through Provincial State Offices, the Ministry of Labour through departments of employment at Employment and Economic Development Centres, the Ministry of the Interior through Regional Councils, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, intermediary organisations Funding may be applied for by public and private organisations training, research and development organisations Target groups (beneficiaries) Unemployed people and those at risk of unemployment, target groups for special labour market and educational policy measures (people at risk of social exclusion, long-term unemployed people, recurrently unemployed people, immigrants, women, young people, students and ageing people) Selection criteria for ESF projects Priority will be given to projects which provide new operating approaches to improve the functioning of the labour market promote integration of long-term or recurrently unemployed people, women, young people and immigrants into working life seek new partnership models and approaches to improve the employment situation advance job creation in the third sector. 10

11 Measure 2.4. Promoting equality in working life The structure of the labour market in Eastern Finland has traditionally been dependent on primary production and the public sector, which have provided satisfactory careers for women as well. The forthcoming structural reform, where jobs are based on enterprise, new technology and globally competitive expertise, will reduce employment opportunities in the traditional sectors. Measures are therefore needed to improve women s enterpreneurship and skills to ensure that the results achieved in gender equality will not be endangered by a risk of women s exclusion from the labour market. The continuous staff cuts in the public sector, in particular, will be a major challenge to women s career development and competence. The measures to be taken must each incorporate an equality aspect by providing equal opportunities for men and women at risk of social exclusion. The measures should also address other factors increasing the risk of social exclusion, such as ageing. The measures will address focus area 2 in the ESF frame of reference (Promoting equality and equal opportunities in working life). Activities eligible for the funding shall promote job creation and enterprise for target groups which require special labour market and educational policy measures through various activation, training and employment measures (focusing particularly on people who have been displaced or are at risk of social exclusion from the labour market, the long-term unemployed, the recurrently unemployed, immigrants, women, young people, ageing or disabled people) improve the integration into the labour market of men and women in a weak position, and reduce the risk of exclusion from the labour market due to ageing promote the integration of young people at risk of exclusion from the labour market produce and implement operating models based on innovative employment opportunities and on operating models which do not conform to traditional gender roles eradicate gender segregation in the labour market produce job creation models taking advantage of opportunities provided by the third sector and civil society Funding is granted by The Ministry of Education through Provincial State Offices, the Ministry of Labour through departments of employment at Employment and Economic Development Centres, the Ministry of the Interior through Regional Councils, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Funding may be applied for by public and private organisations training and development organisations Target groups (beneficiaries) Unemployed people and those at risk of unemployment, target groups for special labour market and educational policy measures (people at risk of social exclusion, the long-term unemployed or recurrently unemployed, immigrants, women, young people, students and ageing people) Selection criteria for ESF projects Priority will be given to projects which improve the employment potential of people at risk of social exclusion from the labour market promote equality between men and women in the labour market. Regional vitality through EU programmes 11

12 Objective 1 programme for Northern Finland The Objective 1 programme for Northern Finland applies to Lapland, North Ostrobothnia, northern areas of Central Finland and the Kaustinen sub-region in Central Ostrobothnia. Strategic aims of the programme The strategic aim of the Objective 1 programme for Northern Finland is to create the northernmost cooperation area in the EU, which will consist of business networks based on the regions own natural potential and making efficient use of their natural resources, and boast fast connections and a good environment. The aim is to increase economic growth and thus advance job creation and entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment. The strategy focuses primarily on improving the expansion potential of existing companies and the preconditions for establishing new companies. The aim is to provide income and development opportunities to prevent further decline in the local population. Selection criteria Projects funded under the Objective 1 programme for Northern Finland must 1. comply with the programme, 2. be feasible, 3. be economically viable and cost-efficient, 4. comply with the principles of sustainable development, 5. promote equality between men and women, 6. promote job creation or improve the employment situation, 7. create new companies, improve competitiveness of businesses or increase the volume of commercial services, 8. be innovative, 9. improve natural habitats or cultural landscapes, reduce harmful environmental impact or increase environmental awareness and expertise, 10. apply or promote regional culture, 11. promote Sámi culture, 12. increase interaction between rural and urban areas, 13. promote the international contacts of businesses or educational institutions, 14. develop structures and expertise related to the information society, 15. support multisectoral development of rural areas. All projects must meet selection criteria 1-4; selection criteria 5-15 are guidelines. Further information to be obtained from the regions Further information on main regional development targets and application periods can be obtained from Employment and Economic Development Centres, Provincial State Offices, Regional Councils and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The addresses are given at the end of this guide. 12

13 ESF measures under the Objective 1 programme for Northern Finland Measure 1.3. Personnel development in companies and promotion of enterprise The aim of the measure is to boost economic growth and competitiveness by improving the skills and expertise of entrepreneurs, managers and personnel at enterprises. Another aim is to promote a pro-enterprise approach, improve the skills of new entrepreneurs, provide guidance and information services, promote workers occupational mobility and improve workers capacity (ageing workers, in particular) for coping at work. In order to put high levels of expertise and technology to use and improve the employment rate, the programme also aims to develop operating approaches which advance new cooperation and sectoral clustering between companies, universities, other educational institutions and research institutes. The measures will address focus area 2 in particular in the ESF frame of reference. Funding may be granted to projects which promote the skills and expertise of entrepreneurs, management and staff of companies provide training for new employees for companies provide entrepreneurship training promote enterprise and activate business and self-employment create innovative business activities increase expertise related to the use of research and technology promote occupational mobility of company employees and their adjustment to changes in business life improve awareness of and expertise in quality and environmental issues in companies improve the working capacity of company employees (including development of work organisations) promote cooperation between companies and training and research organisations Funding is granted by The Ministry of Trade and Industry through the business departments of Employment and Economic Development Centres, the Ministry of Labour through departments of employment at Employment and Economic Development Centres, the Ministry of Education through Provincial State Offices, the Ministry of Interior through Regional Councils, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Funding may be applied for by companies business organisations municipalities and joint municipal boards training and development organisations Target groups (beneficiaries) Entrepreneurs, personnel of companies, prospective entrepreneurs, unemployed people to be trained for companies, employees in public institutions serving business life Selection criteria for ESF projects Priority will be given to projects which increase the expertise of new and existing employees of companies, particularly by using the latest information and technology promote enterprise and support companies growth Regional vitality through EU programmes 13

14 Measure 2.6. Development of skills and expertise in rural areas ESF measures help to increase skills and expertise in rural areas and promote rural enterprise to advance job creation. Skills development projects are closely linked with other rural development projects. The aim is to raise the level of skills and expertise among entrepreneurs, prospective entrepreneurs and rural development organisations. Development of rural businesses will focus on management skills, development of production technology and marketoriented new products, broader cooperation and use of quality systems and self-monitoring systems. Teleworking, wide use of information technology and telecommunications and better information society skills among the rural population are main areas for development. Specific emphasis is placed on promoting entrepreneurship among women and young people. Special skills and expertise related to maintaining the structure of services in rural areas will also be promoted. The projects will also benefit from local initiatives and partnerships for job creation. The measures will address focus area 4 in the ESF frame of reference. Funding may be granted to projects which provide training related to development of rural industries and production chains provide expertise and skills to broaden and modernize the range of business in rural areas improve quality thinking and environmental and cultural expertise promote the use of and expertise in information technology and telematic services promote rural enterprise and self-employment promote rural entrepreneurs work capacity and coping at work introduce partnership projects on developing rural industries promote equality and equal opportunities between men and women develop skills and expertise related to Sámi cultural projects Funding is granted by The Ministry of Labour through departments of employment at Employment and Economic Development Centres, the Ministry of Interior through Regional Councils, the Ministry of Education through Provincial State Offices, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Funding may be applied for by municipalities and joint municipal boards universities other educational institutions research institutes cultural organisations associations other public and private organisations Target groups (beneficiaries) Entrepreneurs, prospective entrepreneurs, post-comprehensive-level students, unemployed people and other residents of rural areas Selection criteria for ESF projects Priority will be given to projects which promote enterprise, particularly through development of cooperation and production chains activate women and young people for innovative, voluntary self-employment 14

15 Measure 3.2. Promotion of skills and key sectors Promotion of key sectors requires training new workers and maintaining and developing the skills and expertise required in working life (clusters, etc.). The measures should be based on anticipation of training needs and required expertise. Other necessary elements are cooperation between business and training organisations and development of innovative, flexible operating approaches. Promotion of skills and expertise required in key sectors also call for product development and research related to development of competence clusters and technology transfer. Separate targets of the measures are promotion of skills related to the information society and environmental awareness and expertise in all population groups. The measures will address focus area 3 in particular in the ESF frame of reference. Funding may be granted to projects which increase expertise and skills, e.g. research, training and technology transfer related to clusters, etc. develop cooperation models for work organisations, education and culture provide voluntary training for vocational qualification, retraining or additional training such as further vocational training or conversion training (particularly in the case of ageing workforce) anticipate changes in working life and the occupation structure or new training and education needs improve the links between training and education and working life (e.g. training models relevant to working life, on-the-job training, training provided by enterprises, development of the apprenticeship training system) enhance the quality and effectiveness of training and education by improving training technology and methods and training material, for instance promote skills related to the information society increase environmental and cultural awareness and expertise develop training and education related to the Sámi culture Funding is granted by The Ministry of the Interior through Regional Councils, the Ministry of Trade and Industry through the business departments at Employment and Economic Development Centres and the National Technology Agency of Finland, the Ministry of Labour through departments of employment at Employment and Economic Development Centres, the Ministry of Education through Provincial State Offices Funding may be applied for by municipalities and joint municipal boards universities, other educational institutions and research institutes other public and private organisations Target groups (beneficiaries) Entrepreneurs, prospective entrepreneurs, postcomprehensive-level young students, unemployed people, both private- and public-sector employees, ageing workforce Selection criteria for ESF projects Priority will be given to projects which promote training and expertise related to development of competence clusters produce skills and expertise for key business sectors and create training models which are relevant to working life promote information society skills Regional vitality through EU programmes 15

16 Measure 3.3 Raising the employment rate and preventing unemployment The aim of the measure is to create procedures in cooperation with the social partners to promote employment and take advantage of labour demands by finding innovative employment opportunities. Active labour market policy measures and training measures will be used to develop ways to facilitate people s access to working life and to raise the employment rate by taking account of the changing needs of both workers and the labour market. Special attention will be paid to anticipating future labour shortages and to focusing measures on the sectors most likely to be affected. The measures should also prevent unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, by creating operating models for smoother transition from training to actual work. The measures should also advance women s access to the labour market and develop career and recruitment services. The measures should apply a strategy of lifelong learning and local and regional partnership. The measures will address focus area 1 in particular in the ESF frame of reference. Funding may be granted to projects which increase employment opportunities for people at risk of long-term unemployment improve the employment potential of unemployed jobseekers (e.g. young people, ageing workforce, women) integrate vocational training students into working life (e.g. vocational workshops, on-the-job learning) integrate university graduates and those with specialist training into business life develop guidance, counselling, career and recruitment services take advantage of labour demand and promote employment opportunities, maintain people s working capacity and help them to cope at work develop innovative cooperation models and operating models to reduce unemployment Funding is granted by The Ministry of Labour through departments of employment at Employment and Economic Development Centres, the Ministry of Trade and Industry through the business departments at Employment and Economic Development Centres, the Ministry of Education through Provincial State Offices, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, intermediary organisations Funding may be applied for by municipalities and joint municipal boards universities, other educational institutions and research institutes other public organisations organisations and associations enterprises Target groups (beneficiaries) Unemployed people or those at risk of unemployment, jobseekers accessing the labour market, particularly women and young people Selection criteria for ESF projects Priority will be given to projects which help women and young people integrate into working life improve the skills and expertise of ageing workers and their employment opportunities 16

17 Measure 3.4 Prevention of jobseekers social exclusion from the labour market and promotion of equality in the labour market The measure will promote the opportunities for those returning to the labour market and at risk of being socially excluded, particularly the young, and support their work capacity and ability to cope at work. The measure will also promote gender equality by increasing women s job opportunities and improving their professional skills, and by reducing gender segregation on the labour market. The measure will also prevent the social exclusion from the labour market of people in a particularly weak position. The measures will address focus area 2 in particular in the ESF frame of reference. Funding may be granted to projects which develop, test and implement innovative forms of cooperation and operating models to prevent social exclusion from the labour market, in cooperation with the social partners and other players promote the employment potential, working capacity and ability to cope at work of those socially excluded from the labour market by activating, rehabilitating and training them implement projects and operating models related to prevention of young people s social exclusion implement career, employment and entrepreneurship projects designed specifically for women support the access to the labour market of special groups in the weakest position make use of local partnerships in the prevention of social exclusion promote gender equality in working life Funding is granted by The Ministry of Labour through departments of employment at Employment and Economic Development Centres, the Ministry of Education through Provincial State Offices, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, intermediary organisations Funding may be applied for by municipalities universities and other educational institutions other public organisations organisations and associations Target groups (beneficiaries) Those excluded or at risk of being excluded from the labour market, special groups and others in a weak position on the labour market Selection criteria for ESF projects Priority will be given to projects which prevent young people s social exclusion from the labour market promote training of excluded people or advance their access to the labour market promote gender equality in employment and training Regional vitality through EU programmes 17

18 Further information Ministries Ministry of Labour: Ministry of Education: Ministry of Trade and Industry: Ministry of Social Affairs and Health: Ministry of the Interior: Employment and Economic Development Centres: Provincial State Offices: Regional Councils: Employment and Economic Development Centres in the Objective 1 programme areas South Savo Mikonkatu 3 and 5, (P.O. Box 164), MIKKELI Tel North Savo Käsityöläisenkatu 41, (P.O. Box 2000), KUOPIO Tel North Karelia Kauppakatu 40 B, (P.O. Box 8), JOENSUU Tel Central Finland Cygnaeuksenkatu 1, (P.O. Box 44), JYVÄSKYLÄ Tel Ostrobothnia Hovioikeudenpuistikko 19 A, (P.O. Box 131), VAASA Tel Kokkola Service Point Isokatu 15, (P.O. Box 240), KOKKOLA Tel North Ostrobothnia Viestikatu 1, (P.O. Box 86), OULU Tel Ylivieska Service Point Valtakatu 4, (P.O. Box 103), YLIVIESKA Tel Kainuu Kalliokatu 4, KAJAANI Tel Lapland Ruokasenkatu 2, ROVANIEMI Tel Kemi Service Point Asemakatu 19, KEMI Tel

19 Provincial State Offices in the Objective 1 areas Provincial State Offices of Eastern Finland Mikkeli Maaherrankatu 16, (P.O. Box 50), MIKKELI Tel Joensuu Torikatu 36, (P.O. Box 94), JOENSUU Tel Kuopio Hallituskatu 12-14, (P.O. Box 1741), KUOPIO Tel Provincial State Office of Lapland Rovaniemi Valtakatu 2, (P.O. Box 8002), ROVANIEMI Tel Provincial State Offices of Western Finland Jyväskylä Cygnaeuksenkatu 1, (P.O. Box 41), JYVÄSKYLÄ Tel Vaasa Wolffintie 35, (P.O. Box 200), VAASA Tel Provincial State Office of Oulu Oulu Linnankatu 1-3, (P.O. Box 293), OULU Tel Regional Councils in the Objective 1 programme areas Regional Council of South Savo Otavankatu 7, MIKKELI Tel Regional Council of North Savo Sepänkatu 1, (P.O. Box 247), KUOPIO Tel Regional Council of North Karelia Torikatu 9, JOENSUU Tel Regional Council of Central Finland Sepänkatu 4, JYVÄSKYLÄ Tel Regional Council of Central Ostrobothnia Rantakatu 14, KOKKOLA Tel Regional Council of North Ostrobothnia Kauppurienkatu 8 A, OULU Tel Regional Council of Kainuu Kauppakatu 1, KAJAANI Tel Regional Council of Lapland Hallituskatu 20 B, (P.O. Box 8056), ROVANIEMI Tel Kajaani Kalliokatu 2, KAJAANI tel or Regional vitality through EU programmes 19

20 The European Social Fund (ESF) is the most important instrument when the European Union (EU) converts its employment policy Viestintä Oy Viisikko 11/2002 / Edita Prima Oy / esr2.002e objectives to practical measures in the Member States. The task of the ESF is to combat unemployment, to upgrade the skills of employees and to support the know-how of the labour force and enterprises in the new challenges of working life. The aim is to promote the functioning of the labour market and lifelong learning, to develop active education and training as well as labour policy in order to tackle unemployment and to prevent social exclusion. The Fund also aims to boost human potential in research, science and technology. Furthermore, the aim is to promote equal opportunities in working life as well as gender equality. Ministry y of Labour Eteläesplanadi 4 P.O.O. BOX 34, FIN GOVERNMENT Tel