Grant for learning and development in SMEs.
Making learning and development in SMEs a matter of course; that is the goal of the "Incentive Scheme for Learning and Development in SMEs", or SLIM Scheme for short. This SLIM scheme supports SME entrepreneurs in their efforts to implement lifelong development in their company.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment will make € 48 million available in 2020 for initiatives aimed at stimulating learning and development in SMEs. In addition, € 1.2 million will be available to stimulate learning and development in large companies in the agricultural, hospitality and recreation sectors. With this SLIM subsidy, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment wants to stimulate a learning-rich working environment: "In SMEs it is less common for employees to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date throughout their working life. Employers often have less knowledge or time and money for this than employers in larger companies. It is also difficult to develop a learning environment in the agriculture, hospitality and recreation sectors because there is a lot of seasonal work." according to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment.
Career development and professionalization as an ongoing component
Puls endorses the importance of lifelong learning and development; We believe that room for career development and professionalization should be a continuous part of the work, so that employees can utilize, strengthen and develop their talents. This is becoming increasingly important in order to be able to connect with the continuously changing labour market and our modern society.
The SLIM scheme in a nutshell
The subsidy scheme is offered to: individual SMEs, cooperative associations between at least two SMEs and large companies in the agriculture, hospitality and recreation sectors. The scheme lists four activities for which entrepreneurs can apply for a subsidy:
- Vetting of the company
- Career and development counseling
- A method in the enterprise that encourages company employees to further develop their knowledge, skills and professional attitudes while working
- Providing a practical apprenticeship in the third apprenticeship program
SME entrepreneurs can apply for this subsidy scheme from September 1 to September 30, 2020. For partnerships within SMEs and large companies from the agricultural, hospitality or recreation sector, employers can submit an application until June 30, 2020. The application will be assessed on the basis of quality requirements and available budget. If there are more applications than budget, lots will be drawn for the order of treatment.
Want to know more?
Visit the website of the professional association of career professionals and job coaches (NOLOC) to learn more about the SLIM scheme and eligibility requirements. Or view NOLOC' s flyer.
Puls is a member of the professional association of career professionals and job coaches.
