More than 150 unemployed people in north-west Poland are taking up training, getting career advice, or receiving financial support to develop their own business – thanks to free help from a dedicated employment project.

The Poviat Labour Office in Białogard created ‘Vocational activation of the unemployed’, with help from ESF funding, to support unemployed people aged over 30. The project especially targeted those from the most difficult-to-reach groups: people aged over 50, the long term unemployed, people with disabilities and people with very few qualifications.

After each person had received free tailored support to help them plan their career, they were offered a choice of several options, depending on their situation. These included career guidance, a job placement or internship, professional training and certification, funds to start a new business, or funds to buy equipment or retrofit a workplace.