Objective 3
Objective 3 aims to support the running costs of schemes that provide a range of measures to help jobless people into work by upgrading their skills and employment potential. It also supports retraining/upskilling of employees and the promotion of life long learning.
Objective 3 is one of the three priority objectives of the European Structural Funds. More information on the national picture
The current West Midlands Objective 3 Programme has been awarded £325 million for the period 2000-2006. Objective 3 is funded entirely through the European Social Fund (ESF) and aims to:
- tackle long-term unemployment;
- help young people and those at risk from not being able to find work;
- improve training, education and counselling for lifelong learning;
- encourage entrepreneurship and adaptability in the workplace; and
- promote equal opportunities and improve the role of women in the workforce.
What areas are eligible?
All of the West Midlands is eligible for Objective 3 because it covers all of Great Britain except Objective 1 areas.
Priorities
The West Midlands has developed a Regional Development Plan (RDP) for Objective 3 which describes the specific priorities and key target groups for ESF support in the region. The five priority areas (or policy fields) outlined in the Regional Development Plan are as follows:
- Active Labour Market Policies
- Equal Opportunities and Promoting Social Inclusion
- Lifelong Learning
- Adaptability and Entrepreneurship
- Improving the Participation of Women in the Labour Market
The Objective 3 programme also seeks to address a series of themes.
These include:
- Equal Opportunities
- Sustainable Development
- Local Communities
- Information Society
For further information please visit the Government Office for the West Midlands website, by clicking here.
