Investment in the digital skills development plays a crucial role in the lifelong learning process, focusing on improving the skills and competences of the target group and preparing them for the labor market. Funding provides specific support for individuals with low education or outdated skills, older persons, the long-term unemployed, and people with disabilities. It has been allocated under the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility plan to enhance the competitiveness and promote the labor market integration of individuals who are unemployed, job seekers, and those at risk of unemployment (hereinafter referred to as the target group).
“The demand for skilled workers with digital skills has significantly increased in the labor market. The current unemployment rate has dropped to 5.5%, with nearly 50,000 people actively seeking employment. Nevertheless, there are still untapped labor reserves in the market, including individuals with inadequate educational backgrounds and outdated skill levels. Ongoing investment in retraining unemployed individuals is underway, and this funding is crucial for the people of Latvia and the economy. It will be available for two years to continue investing in people’s skills, retraining programs, English language learning, and targeted career advice,” Evika Siliņa, Minister for Welfare.
This is provided for in the Cabinet Regulation titled “Rules for the Implementation and Monitoring of Reform 3.1 of the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility Plan, specifically under the section “Regional Policy” of Reform 3.1.2, which focuses on “Access to social and employment services to support minimum income reform” in subsection 3.1.2.5.i. The investment is centered on the “Involvement and labor market participation of unemployed individuals, job seekers, and people at risk of unemployment.” These regulations were adopted by the Government on Tuesday, 20th June.
As part of the allocated funding, the State Employment Agency will provide career counseling, retraining, and upskilling programs for the unemployed. Additionally, they will assess the professional competences acquired outside the formal education system. The initiative also includes non-formal education programs such as digital skills and foreign languages, training for drivers of vehicles and tractors, study modules or courses in higher education institutions, and practical training opportunities with employers.
It is expected that by summer 2026, over 20,000 unemployed individuals, jobseekers, and individuals at risk of unemployment will have enhanced their skills through these initiatives.
@pixabay.com
