EU funds boosting employment in remote regions
Grey clouds still loom large over the jobs market in much of Europe, and it is often those in rural areas who are most affected and are cut off from opportunities. With this in mind, the EU has earmarked over EUR 6 million to boost 15 different projects that help to foster economic growth and put people into employment in the Highlands region of Scotland. The funding comes from the European Structural Fund (ESF), made up of two separate funds: the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) which supports research, innovation, urban regeneration and rural development; and the European Social Fund (ESF) which helps unemployed or economically inactive people upgrade their skills and prepare for work. Of the 15 projects, some have been under way for some time and others are just kicking off. Mr Neil, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, commented on the new funding: 'This money will make a real difference across the Highlands and Islands - getting people back into work and helping revitalise local communities. This round of funding is testament to the high standard of projects and programmes in the Highlands and Islands dedicated to driving economic growth. The diversity of the projects receiving grants reflects the variety of innovative and creative industries synonymous with the Highlands and Islands. Each project in its own way will contribute to developing a skilled workforce, adding economic value and much needed jobs in the Highlands and Islands, as well as contributing to the Scottish economy as a whole.' One of the projects being supported as part of the funding is the Harris Tweed Training and Development Programme, managed by the Western Isles local authority Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Building on an ESF-funded training and accreditation programme that aimed to support the industry behind the famous cloth, this latest funding, to the tune of more than EUR 100 000, puts in place two additional New Start Weaver Training courses that will start in 2012. This project aims to be as flexible as possible so as to attract trainees who can't commit to the course on a full-time basis, particularly women who are currently under-represented in the industry. The demand for weavers reflects the increasing demand Harris Tweed has experienced in recent years, as fashion designers continue to turn to the traditional cloth to add an element of heritage to their modern designs. Archie Campbell, from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, comments: 'This is an important and extremely worthwhile project that has been developed in close liaison with the Harris Tweed industry. The project will deliver training to assist the industry to meet demand for the cloth, through activities including new weaver training and the piloting of technical skills qualifications in Harris Tweed mills.' The project 'Aspire, Transform, Achieve', organised by New Start Highland, was awarded a grant of more than EUR 1.1 million. The 3-year project aims to help individuals facing multiple barriers to employment, and will see a team of trainers, coaches and support officers deliver training modules covering job and life skills to 286 participants. Each person will undergo a two-week assessment, and a tailored programme will then be developed. Following this, a job coach will work with the participants to help them move into employment. Given a boost of more than EUR 250 000, the Shetland Isles-based project 'Moving on employment' was also helped out by the EU funds .The project has been running for 2 years already, and has a 75% success rate. It aims to help people facing multiple barriers to employment by providing them with short-term work projects throughout Shetland. At the start, participants are assessed so the project officers can understand their specific needs and circumstances. Then an action plan is set out to help them overcome the barriers they face. Participants subsequently have an opportunity to participate in a real life project. The project carries out employer matching and hands-on-support to people once they are in employment, and offers education and training opportunities such as the setting up and supervision of work placements.For more information, please visit: European Social Fund: http://ec.europa.eu/esf/home.jsp?langId=en(opens in new window)
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