Impulses of Labor Market Policy (IdeA)

Impulses for Labor Market Policy (IdeA) is an innovative funding program of the state of Hesse aimed at transforming today’s currently unemployed and low-skilled individuals into tomorrow’s skilled workers. The offer targets diverse groups, including long-term unemployed, unskilled and semi-skilled workers, disadvantaged adults, young people transitioning from school to work, and persons over 55 years of age. By supporting model and innovative projects, actors in the labor market as well as providers of counseling, employment, and qualification services are assisted. The program focuses on a holistic approach that not only emphasizes placement in training or employment but also the strengthening of individual competencies and digital skills.

The funding requirements stipulate that participants must have their primary residence in Hesse and be either already unemployed or at risk of unemployment. Furthermore, the submitted project concepts must meet at least three specific, funding-relevant criteria, such as innovative approaches to the placement of disadvantaged persons, the acquisition of new cooperation partners, and the strengthening of interdisciplinary collaboration within regional authorities. The initiative supports not only participant-oriented projects, which are subsidized with up to 40 percent of eligible expenses, but also system-related projects with funding rates of up to 90 percent. Through this flexible grant funding, both local education and employment institutions as well as public bodies are enabled to develop and implement forward-looking measures.

Applications are submitted electronically via a central customer portal, where, in addition to a detailed project description, a financing plan and a statement from the local public authority must be provided. The program is implemented by the Hessian Ministry of Labor, Integration, Youth and Social Affairs in cooperation with the Economic and Infrastructure Bank of Hesse. By employing modern digital learning and qualification methods, the talents and individual potentials of participants are fostered, enabling long-term integration into the labor market. With a strong focus on innovation and inclusion, IdeA offers a promising platform for mobilizing skilled workers and sustainably strengthening the regional labor market in Hesse.