Inclusive of amendments of 30 September 2008, of 15 May 2009

Training and Information Measure for Economic Actors Operating in the Fields Covered by Axis 3

Legal basis

Article 52 (c) of Reg. (EC) N 1698/2005

Point 5.3.3.3 of Annex II of regulation (EC) N 1974/2006

Measure Code: 331

The overall priority for the axis is to stimulate economic and social activity in all rural areas. The range of actions to deliver this priority was chosen to deliver the optimum economic and social impact while demonstrating internal as well as external complementarity at axis level. However, the successful implementation of these measures also requires training in adapted and new skills for all rural dwellers and communities. The importance of training to personal development also means that this measure constitutes a priority in itself and must also demonstrate a clear complementarity to any training actions under Axis 1.

To equip rural dwellers and communities with the appropriate range of skills and training to derive maximum social and economic benefit from the initiatives available under this axis.

• 
  Provision of general/specialised training courses in fixed/mobile facilities and in-house development of appropriate training facilities linked to the increased use of know-how and new technologies to make the products and services in rural areas more competitive
  
• 
  Provision of flexible learning opportunities in new technology for women, young people and minority groups in particular
  
• 
  Development of training facilities in rural areas (fixed/mobile)
  
• 
  Facilitation of distant learning (mainstream or tailored courses) through the use of new technologies
  
• 
  Provision of relevant training courses to those wishing to add value to local products, in particular by facilitating access to markets for small production units via collective actions
  
• 
  Developing the capacity of rural dwellers to utilise ICT including Internet and broadband to access ℮services and other public/commercial electronic applications. This measure has been designed to complement the proposed telecommunications intervention under the two Regional Operational Programmes aimed at expanding the supply and coverage of broadband territorially.
  

The ESF will address mainstream vocational education and training programmes specifically geared to the general labour market. The EAFRD will be targeted towards responding only to local community niche needs specific to the measures contained in this programme, e.g. learning to utilise ICT to enhance a rural tourism product.

A member of a Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organisation receiving support for investment actions, environmental actions or training under the Scheme of Aid for Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organisations is precluded from receiving support for similar actions under this measure.

Financing will be available within this measure to Local Action Groups to support the provision of specific technical input. Such technical support would include access to specialised technical resources, knowledge or skills not generally available within the group or applicable only to specific measures or actions. Exchange of specialist information, know-how or best practice would also be supported under this measure. Financial support under this measure to facilitate technical support is capped at €7.90m.

All rural dwellers

All rural areas