The ESF Objective 3 programme is being used regionally to fund a wide range of activity, from provision of skills for life (basic skills) for beneficiaries from socially excluded groups, to higher level skills training and training for small and medium sized enterprise (SME) employees.
Remaining activity is focussed upon delivery of aims and objectives identified as part of the programme's mid-term review. This includes a greater focus on economically inactive beneficiaries, including disabled, ethnic minorities and those aged 50+. In addition, activity is focussed on SMEs that are not currently involved in any form of structured training. Activity also focuses on sectors where skill shortages exist, such as construction and childcare, aiming to achieve key priorities detailed within the revised Regional Economic Strategy (RES).
A small number of tender rounds will be launched in 2007 for co-financed activity. Interested organisations should check the co-financing section of this website for further information.
All ESF activity must address a number of key ‘horizontal’ themes. These are;
Sustainable Development – this involves ensuring that project design and delivery address economic, social and environmental objectives at the same time.
Equal Opportunities – projects must ensure that projects promote equal opportunities with regard to race, gender, disability and age.
Information Society – projects are encouraged to fully exploit the potential of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to enable information and access to be more widely available.
