Aim

The aim of this Scheme is to support the participation of employees from companies/organisations and unemployed individuals in training programmes organized by the accredited by the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus (HRDA) Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) , in accordance with the conditions and criteria set by the HRDA.

Basic Provisions

• The Scheme is based on the Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2831 of 13 December 2023, on the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to de minimis aid, and Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 of 17 June 2014, declaring certain categories of aid as compatible with the internal market under Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty, as amended by Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1315 of 23 June 2023.

• The participation of employees from companies/organisations in HRDA-approved programmes is subsidised.

• Participation in the training programmes is arranged through direct consultation between companies/organisations and the VTCs.

• Upon enrolment, an application for participation and subsidy is completed and it is submitted to the HRDA via the VTC, in accordance with the procedures of the Scheme, following the successful completion of the programme.

• Registered unemployed individuals may also participate in the Scheme to fill vacancies, enhance their knowledge and skills, and improve their employability, provided they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

Financial Coverage

A subsidy is provided to employers whose employees have successfully completed a programme under this Scheme, covering part of the participation/tuition fees. The subsidy is paid directly to the programme organizer (VTC) upon authorisation from the participating company.

Additionally, a subsidy is provided to the VTC that delivers training for unemployed participants.

Thematic areas

Every two years, the HRDA publishes the thematic areas for training subsidisation  to inform and guide VTCs on the programmes eligible for submission, approval, and subsidisation.

Cooperation

For each VTC cooperating with the HRDA in the implementation of Standard Multi-Company Training Programmes, a designated Officer from the Training Services Directorate is available to provide information and technical support throughout the process. To ensure transparency, the HRDA publishes a Policy and Procedures Guide, outlining the approval criteria, subsidisation conditions, and operational procedures of the Scheme for VTCs, employers, and trainees.

Logos And Accompanying Text for Approved Standard Multi-Company Training Specifications (stage 1) and Programmes (stage 2)

Upon approval of its programme specifications (Stage 1), a VTC must include the appropriate HRDA logo along with a specific accompanying text in all informational and promotional materials, as well as in advertisements or online announcements for candidate recruitment. The accompanying text should be tailored according to the language used (Greek or English), the number of approved specifications (singular or plural), and whether the material is in colour or black and white. If the promotional material includes programmes not subsidized by the HRDA, a clear distinction must be made using the designated version of the HRDA logo and text, with an asterisk indicating this.

Upon approval of its training programme applications (Stage 2), the VTC must follow the same procedure but with the designated HRDA logo and accompanying text specific to Stage 2. If a programme is offered for unemployed participants, the accompanying text will be adjusted accordingly.

The HRDA logo and text must be positioned at the bottom of the first page (occupying 1/10 of the total height of the page/cover) of all informational, promotional, and advertisement materials in both print and digital formats.

The different versions of the HRDA logo and accompanying text for use are listed below.