ESF – Skilled Professionals

The ESF program "Skilled Workers" supports a variety of initiatives in North Rhine-Westphalia aimed at securing and attracting skilled personnel. Eligible applicants include natural and legal persons, partnerships, non-profit organizations, start-ups, and public institutions with workplaces in NRW. Co-financed by the European Social Fund with approximately €627 million, the program funds measures in the areas of consulting, training and further education, as well as business financing as non-repayable grants. Eligible costs include personnel expenses, material and event costs. Excluded are investments in real estate or the settlement of liabilities. Key selection criteria are the level of innovation of the project concepts and their relevance to securing skilled workers. A project concept, a statement from the responsible regional agency, and a positive resolution by the AG Individual Projects are required. Small and medium-sized enterprises benefit from flexible financing models based on proven standard unit costs ("standard unit costs"). Support is provided through the regional agencies, which also offer advisory assistance during the application process and publicity measures.

The procedure begins with the submission of a detailed project description and financing plan to the responsible district government. After verification of funding requirements and possible state aid law aspects, as well as a positive resolution, disbursement is made in several installments. Interim reports and proof of use are submitted via the ABBA online system to ensure transparency and traceability. Throughout the entire duration, publicity measures must be documented according to the requirements of the ESF administration. The "Skilled Workers" program thus makes a central contribution to strengthening competitiveness and long-term skilled labor security in North Rhine-Westphalia.