HRDA's TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL IN CYPRUS - Filenews 13/4 by Evagoras Prokopiou
In a rapidly changing job market, continuous training and the acquisition of new skills are no longer an option but a necessity. In Cyprus, the HRDA forms a wide network of training programs, which is aimed at both employees and the unemployed, young people and businesses, covering virtually every stage of the professional career.
From Individual Learning Plans that enable employees and the long-term unemployed to upgrade their skills, to training programs for young people out of education and employment (NEETs), the system attempts to enhance employability and social cohesion. At the same time, specific actions for the acquisition of digital, green and blue economy skills respond to the modern challenges of the economy and technology.
Particular emphasis is also placed on businesses, which can take advantage of plans for the training of their staff, either inside or outside Cyprus, but also for staffing with graduates or the long-term unemployed. Through grants and targeted programs, the development of human resources based on the real needs of the market is enhanced.
At the same time, multi-company training programmes, both routine and vital, offer specialisation opportunities in a wide range of professional sectors, while entrepreneurship programmes give impetus to unemployed people wishing to set up their own business.
The common denominator of all actions is access through the "Hermes" digital portal, full or partial coverage of costs and, in many cases, the payment of benefits. Thus, a coherent training system is created that is not limited to theory, but is directly linked to the labour market, enhancing the employment prospects and competitiveness of the Cypriot economy.
Individual Learning Accounts
The HRDA implements, within the framework of the Cohesion Policy Programme "THALIA 2021-2027", the EU-co-funded project "Individual Learning Accounts". This is a pilot action that provides credits to eligible workers and the long-term unemployed to participate in training programs to acquire new or upgrade existing knowledge and skills.
The project has been operating since July 1, 2024 and provides for the provision of three-year Individual Learning Accounts to 1,800 people. Each approved beneficiary receives a credit of €2,400, which covers the cost of participating in approved training programs of the "Multi-company Training Programs – Usual" Scheme.
Beneficiaries are employees with education up to upper secondary and long-term unemployed for more than six months. Applications are submitted through the "Hermes" digital portal of the HRDA, where those interested must first register. The HRDA informs the public through its website, media and social media, while also providing a relevant Policy and Procedures Guide.
Single Business Training Programs in Cyprus
As of June 1, 2022, applications for approval of training programs are submitted exclusively through the "Hermes" system. The HRDA operates two Plans of Single-Company Training Programs in Cyprus, the De Minimis plan and the JV plan, inviting businesses and organizations to choose the one that best meets their needs.
The aim of the Plans is to design, organize and implement training programs by businesses and organizations to meet the training needs of their existing or newly hired staff. The programs can be implemented either by internal trainers or by external ones, from Cyprus or abroad, while the application must be submitted at least three weeks before the start of the program.
The two Plans are governed by different regulatory frameworks and present substantial differences. The draft JV provides for a maximum subsidy rate of 50% of the eligible costs, while De Minimis is not subject to this limit but applies an aid ceiling of €300,000 over a period of three financial years per single enterprise. There are also differences as to which categories of businesses and costs are eligible for each project.
Financial support is provided in the form of a grant to the employer, based on the eligible training costs. At the same time, the HRDA issues a biennial Agenda to guide stakeholders and provides support through a competent officer, as well as through a Policy and Procedures Guide with detailed information on the conditions and procedures for approval and grant.
Single-company Training Programs Abroad
As of June 1, 2022, applications for approval of Single-Company Training Programs Abroad are submitted exclusively through the "Hermes" system. The aim of the Scheme is to transfer and disseminate to Cyprus specialized knowledge and skills from abroad, especially in areas related to innovation, new technology and know-how.
The Scheme is aimed at businesses and organizations that have training needs that cannot be covered by similar programs in Cyprus. A prerequisite is that the person proposed for training is employed by the company or organization and has the required education and experience for substantial participation in the program. The application to the HRDA must be submitted at least three weeks before the start of the program.
The financial support is provided in the form of a grant to the employer, based on the eligible costs incurred for the employee's participation in the program. At the same time, the HRDA issues a biennial agenda to guide businesses in the thematic areas of training abroad and offers support through a competent officer and a special Policy and Procedures Guide.
Multi-company Training Programs – Usual
Multi-company Training Programs – Usual concern the participation of employees of businesses and organizations, as well as the unemployed, in training programs organized by HRDA-certified Vocational Training Centers. The aim is to enhance knowledge and skills, based on conditions and criteria set by the HRDA.
Under the Scheme, the participation of employees in approved programs is subsidized, while registration is done in consultation with the Vocational Training Centers. The application for participation and grant is completed during registration and submitted to the HRDA through the KEK after the successful completion of the program. At the same time, registered unemployed people are also given the opportunity to participate to fill vacancies and enhance their employability.
The financial coverage is provided by a grant to the employer for part of the participation cost or tuition fees, which is paid to the organizer of the program upon authorization of the company. In addition, the VTCs receive a grant for the training of the unemployed. The HRDA issues a biennial agenda for guidance to VTCs and provides support through a competent officer and a relevant Policy and Procedures Guide.
At the same time, specific publicity obligations are provided for the KEK. After the approval of specifications or program applications, the VTCs must use the appropriate logo of the HRDA and the accompanying wording in brochures, advertisements and announcements, depending on the language, the approval stage, the type of media and whether the programs also concern the unemployed. The logo and wording should be placed at the bottom of the first page or cover of the relevant materials.
Multi-Business Training Programs – Vital
Multi-company Vital Training Programs concern the participation of managerial and other specialized personnel of companies and organizations in programs organized by HRDA-certified Vocational Training Centers. Their goal is to meet the specialized needs of the economy through the enhancement of the knowledge and skills of staff who hold important positions.
Participation in approved programs is ensured after consultation between businesses or organizations and the VTCs. During registration, an application for participation and a grant is completed, which is submitted to the HRDA through the VTC after the successful completion of the program.
Financial support is provided by a grant to the employer, to cover part of the participation cost or tuition fees, and is paid to the program organizer after authorization by the company. The HRDA also issues a biennial agenda for guidance of VTCs, while providing information and technical support through a competent officer and a dedicated Policy and Procedures Guide.
At the same time, VTCs that receive approval for such programs are obliged to use the logo of the HRDA and the accompanying wording in information and advertising materials, depending on the language, the number of programs and the type of media. Relevant material should be placed at the bottom of the front page or cover of publications, as well as in announcements or advertisements in the media and on the Internet.
Multi-Business Programs for the First Half of 2026
The HRDA has published the lists of approved specifications for the Multi-Company Training Programs of the first half of 2026, both for the Usual and for the Vital. These lists do not include the start and end dates of the programs, so those interested are invited to contact the competent Vocational Training Center directly.
The applications of the programs, along with detailed information about each program, are available in the electronic system "Hermes". Those who wish to participate must submit an application through the system to the respective VTC before the start of the program or before 25% of its duration has been completed. Additional information is included in the Policy and Procedure Guides posted on the HRDA's website.
Training Programs for the Unemployed
The Unemployed Training Programs aim to provide initial or continuing training to the unemployed, with the aim of improving their knowledge and skills and facilitating their integration or reintegration into the labour market, especially in professions with a demand for qualified personnel.
The Scheme is implemented in collaboration with Vocational Training Centers and is aimed at unemployed people who are registered with the Public Employment Service, reside legally in Cyprus and have the right to unhindered access to the labour market. The aim is to acquire, enhance or upgrade knowledge and skills based on the needs of the labour market, in order to enhance employment prospects and professional restart.
The programs cover a wide range of topics and specialties, while in some cases they also include an in-house part, with the participation of businesses and organizations to provide practical training and work experience. The HRDA fully covers the costs of the programs and pays the trainees a monthly training allowance. At the same time, it provides detailed guidance through a Policy and Procedures Guide for VTCs, businesses and prospective participants.
Training Programs for the Acquisition of Entrepreneurship Knowledge and Skills
The project concerns the provision of training programs to unemployed people who are interested in acquiring entrepreneurship knowledge and skills, so that they can establish and operate their own business, according to the modern needs of the labour market.
Beneficiaries are unemployed people who wish to start their own business activity. The programmes are implemented by Vocational Training Centres, which are selected through public procurement tenders, while trainees are selected on the basis of priority criteria. Applications for participation are submitted through the digital portal "Hermes" or the website of the HRDA, provided that the interested parties have previously registered in the system.
The HRDA fully covers the cost of the programs, which are offered free of charge to participants, while allowances are also paid for their participation. At the same time, for the guidance of VTCs and trainees, a Policy and Procedures Guide is issued with detailed information on the procedures and criteria for the implementation of the project.
Training Programs for Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills Related to the Blue Economy
The project concerns the provision of training programs to employees, self-employed and unemployed to acquire or upgrade knowledge and skills related to the blue economy, in line with the changing needs of the labour market.
Beneficiaries are natural persons from the private, public and wider public sectors, self-employed and unemployed, who consider that their participation covers personal training needs in professions or sectors of the blue economy. The programs are implemented by Vocational Training Centers selected through public tenders, while applications are submitted through the "Hermes" portal or the website of the HRDA, after the registration of the interested parties in the system.
The HRDA fully covers the costs of the programs, which are offered free of charge to participants. In addition, in some programs aimed exclusively at the unemployed, participation allowances are also paid. For the guidance of VTCs and trainees, a Policy and Procedures Guide is issued with detailed information on the criteria and procedures for the implementation of the project.
Training Programs for the Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills Related to the Green Economy
The project concerns the provision of training programs to employees, self-employed and unemployed to acquire new or upgrade existing knowledge and skills related to the green economy, with the aim of adapting to the ever-changing needs of the labour market.
Beneficiaries are natural persons from the private, public and wider public sectors, self-employed and unemployed, who consider that their participation covers personal training needs in professions or sectors of the green economy. The programs are implemented by Vocational Training Centers, which are selected through public competitions, while applications for participation are submitted through the digital portal "Hermes" or the website of the HRDA, after registration in the system.
The HRDA fully covers the costs of the programs, which are offered free of charge to participants. In addition, in some programs aimed exclusively at the unemployed, participation allowances are also paid. For the information and guidance of VTCs and trainees, a Policy and Procedures Guide is issued with detailed information on the procedures and implementation criteria.
Training Programs for the Acquisition of Digital Skills
The project concerns the provision of training programs to employees, self-employed and unemployed for the acquisition of new and upgrading existing digital skills, with the aim of adapting the human resources of Cyprus to the ever-changing needs of the labour market.
Beneficiaries are natural persons from the private, public and wider public sectors, self-employed and unemployed, who consider that their participation covers individual training needs. The programmes are implemented by Vocational Training Centres, which are selected through a framework agreement and then through 'mini-tenders' for the award of public contracts for specific programmes.
Applications for participation are submitted through the digital portal "Hermes" or through the website of the HRDA, in the context of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, provided that the interested parties are previously registered as natural persons in the system. The HRDA fully covers the cost of the programs, which are offered free of charge, while participation allowances are also paid in designated programs for the unemployed. For the information of VTCs and trainees, a Policy and Procedures Guide is issued with detailed information on the procedures and implementation criteria.
Training programmes for young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs)
The HRDA implements, in the framework of the Cohesion Policy Programme "THALIA 2021-2027", the EU-co-funded project for training programs for young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs). The project runs from 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2027 and aims to enhance the integration of young people into the labour market and promote social cohesion.
Beneficiaries are young people aged 15 to 29 who are not in education, employment or training and are registered as unemployed with the Public Employment Service. Through the programs, implemented by Vocational Training Centers, participants acquire basic knowledge and skills, such as literacy, language and mathematical abilities, but also horizontal skills such as communication, problem solving, teamwork, time management, creativity, as well as skills for CV and job interview preparation.
The selection of participants is made through the Public Employment Service, which proposes to the HRDA the beneficiaries who have already received personalized guidance from employment officers. The HRDA fully covers the cost of the programs, while trainees participate free of charge and receive a training allowance, as well as an allowance for travel and other expenses. For the information of those involved, a Policy and Procedures Guide is issued with all the relevant details.
Continuing Training Programs for Trade Union Executives
The Continuing Training Programs for Trade Union Executives concern the participation of trade union executives in programs implemented by Trade Union Training Centers, which are certified by the HRDA as Vocational Training Centers. Beneficiaries of the grant are unions, trade unions and organizations of Workers' Trade Unions, with the exception of bodies involving government employees and self-employed workers.
Participation in the programs is done in consultation between the interested trade unions and the Trade Union Training Centers, while after the successful completion of the program, an application for a grant is submitted by the Center. The financial support is paid to the Center and is calculated based on the number of participants who successfully completed the program, its duration and the estimated hourly grant amount per participant.
The HRDA provides support through a competent officer and a Policy and Procedures Guide, which describes in detail the terms of operation of the Plan. At the same time, the Centres must, after the approval of specifications or programme applications, use the appropriate logo of the HRDA and the accompanying wording in information and advertising materials, placed at the bottom of the first page or cover.
Training Plan for the Long-Term Unemployed in Businesses/Organizations
The Training Plan for the Long-Term Unemployed in Businesses/Organizations aims to integrate or reintegrate the long-term unemployed into employment, through recruitment and in-company training lasting four months, adapted to the needs of a specific job. At the same time, it incentivizes businesses and organizations to be staffed with appropriate staff and fill vacancies.
The Scheme concerns unemployed people who have been registered with the Public Employment Service for more than six consecutive months. The employer's application is submitted through the "Hermes" system before the start of the program and no later than two months from the date of recruitment. For holders of a higher education degree of at least three years, a minimum age limit of 30 years is set, while in cases of relevant recent work experience this must not exceed eight months within the last four years.
The HRDA pays a grant to the employer to cover the training costs, with a maximum grant amount of €1,398 per month, according to the de minimis aid framework. The minimum gross salary to be paid to the long-term unemployed is set at €1,088 per month, unless a higher salary is provided for the specific profession by decree or collective agreement.
The Scheme offers benefits to both businesses and the unemployed. Businesses are strengthening their staffing, reducing the initial employment costs and gaining the opportunity to train staff according to their needs. The unemployed, for their part, gain work experience, new skills and better prospects for professional rehabilitation.
Business Staffing Plan with Higher Education Graduates
The Business Staffing Plan with Higher Education Graduates aims to improve the organization and operation of businesses and organizations through the recruitment and training of new graduates, while at the same time facilitating their smooth integration into the labour market. It provides for the provision of incentives to employers to offer jobs, practical training and work experience of six months to graduates under the age of 30.
Beneficiaries are graduates who have successfully completed a tertiary education program of at least three years duration and hold at least a higher education diploma. The employer's application for participation in the Scheme is submitted through the "Hermes" system before the start of the program and no later than two months from the date of recruitment. A prerequisite is that the graduate is under 30 years of age at the time of submission of the application, while relevant work experience after obtaining the degree must not exceed eight months.
The HRDA pays a grant to the employer to cover the training costs, with a maximum grant amount of €1,548 per month, in accordance with the de minimis aid framework. At the same time, a gross salary threshold for graduates has been set at €1,248 per month.
The Plan offers benefits to both sides. Businesses are strengthening their staffing with qualified young people, reducing initial employment costs and better organizing their operations. Graduates gain valuable work experience, become familiar with the professional environment and enhance their prospects for professional rehabilitation and development.
E-Learning Supplement
The Supplement to the Policy and Procedures Guides "Use of Distance E-Learning Methods in Training Programs" (hereinafter the "E-Learning Supplement") entered into force on March 26, 2020.
