Within the framework of the Cohesion Policy Programme "THALIA 2021-2027", the HRDA has undertaken the implementation of the project "Individual Learning Accounts" (hereinafter referred to as "the Project"), which is co-funded by the EU.

The Project involves the pilot implementation of Individual Learning Accounts (hereinafter referred to as "ILAs"), which provide credits to eligible groups of employed and unemployed individuals in order to attend training programmes aimed at acquiring new knowledge and/or enhancing existing skills.

The Project has been in operation since 1 July 2024 and provides ILAs, valid for a three year period, to 1.800 individuals.

Purpose

The aim of the Project is to promote lifelong learning by offering ILA holders opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills through participation in training programmes implemented under the Scheme «Standard Multi-Company Training Programmes».

Key Provisions

• Eligible participants include:
  (a) Employees with an education level up to upper secondary education (i.e., Lyceum or Technical/Vocational School), and
  (b) Long-term unemployed individuals (unemployed for more than six (6) months).
• Interested individuals can apply for an ILA through the HRDA's digital portal "Ermis". Applying for an ILA requires prior registration on the "Ermis" digital portal.
• Upon approval of the ILA, an account is activated for the ILA beneficiary on the "Ermis" digital portal and credited with an amount of €2.400.
• The allocated amount is available for a period of three years and can be used by the ILA beneficiary to participate in training programmes approved by the HRDA under the Scheme «Standard Multi-Company Training Programmes».
• The ILA beneficiary selects a training programme of their choice and, provided that sufficient credits are available in their account, applies through the "Ermis" digital portal for enrollment in the selected training programme.

Funding

The ILA credits, amounting to €2.400, are used to cover participation fees/tuition costs for training programmes.

Collaboration & Communication

To inform interested individuals about the Project and the process of obtaining an ILA, the HRDA publishes announcements on its website, in the media and on social media. In addition, the HRDA issues a Policy and Procedures Guide, detailing the policies, procedures and approval criteria/requirements at each stage of Project implementation.