Polimoda Consulting assists businesses in the planning and implementation of consultancies and training courses which are free, thanks to contributions from the European Social Fund, Convergence funds and Training vouchers.

The European Social Fund

The European Social Fund (ESF) is the financial instrument established by the European Union to promote development projects, including training programmes. Access to finance is by submitting a proposal for consideration, and company or joint company projects are eligible. Finance is provided by the European Union, Regions and Provinces.

Convergence funds

Convergence funds for ongoing training and education represent one of the most important aids for businesses in developing the quality of their employees' training. Businesses can access the financial resources accumulated in the relevant funds (fondimpresa/ business fund and fondirigenti/managers' fund for industry, fonter for business) created by a contribution made by businesses themselves of 0.30%, calculated on the monthly salaries of their employees.

More specifically:
Fondimpresa / business fund was created for the ongoing training of workers, employees and staff of industrial companies; fondirigenti/managers' fund is intended for managers of industrial companies. The funds are administered jointly, at national and regional levels, by Confindustria/Confederation of Industries and unions (CGIL-CISL-UIL) under the overall control of the Ministry of Employment. They came into being in June 2003 to support training programmes presented by businesses.

Training vouchers

Training vouchers provide an opportunity to request finance for personalised programmes, both for a single individual and for businesses. Those interested can apply for finance or joint finance from the Region or Province of residence or domicile, by submitting a regional or provincial application.