Background information

Ida-Virumaa region is historically dependent on the oil shale industry. The measure is aimed at retraining working age population of the region in digital and green skills in order to support the gradual phasing off of the oil shale industry. To this end, existing and new levels of education curricula in vocational and higher education are developed, as well as additional training courses.

The measure is financed by European Funds and regulated by Ministry of Education and Research. The activities are executed by Tallinn University of Technology Virumaa College, University of Tartu Narva College, Ida- Virumaa Vocational College, and Unemployment Insurance Fund (Public Employment Service).

Content of measure

The support measure finances the development of vocational and higher education curricula and the provision of education in Ida-Virumaa. Also, additional training measures are financed.

The measure is aimed at the working-age population of Ida-Virumaa who want to update and develop their existing skills, return to the labor market or change careers. The focus is on supporting the acquisition of new skills for those leaving the oil shale sector. Training starts in the second quarter of 2024 and is free for participants.

Some examples of the new courses are Entrepreneurship and Digital Solutions (undergraduate course), Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Circular Economy (undergraduate course), Sustainable Chemical Technology (Master's studies), and Solar Energy Systems Service Technician.

The period of activities financed through the Just Transition Fund lasts until 31 August 2029. The total allocated budget is €31 million.

Use of measure

No information is available yet.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Applies to all workers	Does not apply to businesses	Applies to all citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government Other social actors (e.g. NGOs) Public employment service	European Funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Unknown	Unknown
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Unknown
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

Social partners' involvement is not entirely obvious, but it is likely that the planning and deciding on the courses to be offered involved social partners in some stages as members of working groups or advisory bodies.

Views and reactions

Not available.

Sources

• 28 December 2023: Ida-Virumaa saab 31 miljonit täiend- ja ümberõppe võimaluste avardamiseks (www.hm.ee)