The ESF cofinances measures tailored to the specific needs of the rural and agricultural population in these regions. These include long-distance learning programmes, working from home and industrial diversification projects. Specific coaching programmes cover guidance and counselling for the development of local projects. Now, by supporting innovative training activities, seeks to underpin national policies which combat inequalities between women and men on the labour market and supports women wishing to set-up their own businesses. Horizon aims to integrate people with disabilities into the open labour market by offering, for example, adapted apprenticeship contracts.
Measures focus on the acquisition of basic skills and work placements.
Development projects involving some 80,000 beneficiaries, will improve the scope of services offering advice on changing work patterns. The ESF is funding 20 per cent of the total cost of a professional training project under Objective 4 run by Konzette, a French enterprise specialised in manufacturing staples and office staplers. Konzette aims to improve its industrial competitiveness by putting into place new industrial production islands, automatic wrapping systems and integrated computer networks. To achieve its objectives, Konzette will develop new working processes, improved internal capabilities and management systems. The project is designed to help lower-skilled employees improve and expand their skills base.