THE STATE WILL REIMBURSE 90% OF THE COST OF TRAINING NEW EMPLOYEES

Dozens of young people are now starting their careers through a state support project called Right to a First Job (Právo na prvé zamestnanie), which enables them to acquire the necessary work skills. The project gives employers the opportunity to train new employees almost free of charge, with the labour ministry refunding 90% of their wage costs for six months. Those interested can submit applications at the Labour Offices (ÚPSVaR).

Right to a First Job aims to create jobs for people who are out of work. Anyone registered with the Labour Offices who has been without a job for at least two months and has not yet been employed for longer than six months can apply to take part. “The project is aimed mainly at graduates with no work experience, and in this way we are tackling the common paradox where employers demand experience that newcomers have no way of gaining,” said Minister Erik Tomáš. “In this way, we are enabling employers to train new employees almost for free,” he added.

The project also includes financial contributions for employers who take on jobseekers for a fixed term of at least one year or for an indefinite period. The contribution is paid once, for a six-month period, and employers must keep the job even after this period ends, without any further support. In total, the state can provide up to EUR 7,911.20 per employee.

The project, which will run until the end of 2024, is funded from the budget of the Slovak Republic and is intended to support 263 jobs in various professions. Since its launch, 206 applications have been submitted for a total of more than €1.1 million.