Under a Council of Ministers decision proposed by the Minister of Economy and Innovation, trainees will receive 50% of the minimum wage for each lesson hour attended. Those living more than 2 kilometres from a vocational training centre will also receive a monthly transport allowance of 1,800 ALL.

Authorities will transfer payments monthly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts throughout the course, subject to proof of attendance. Each person may receive support for only one course within 12 months. Payments will stop immediately if a trainee voluntarily leaves the course or misses more than 20% of lessons. The trainee will also lose eligibility for the current and following months.

The National Agency for Employment and Skills will assess unemployed jobseekers’ needs through its regional directorates and refer eligible applicants to suitable courses. Graduates will receive nationally recognised certificates. Courses under workplace-based learning programmes are excluded.

The scheme will run for five years from the decision’s entry into force. The state budget will cover its costs under the “Labour Market” programme. The decision takes effect after publication in the Official Gazette.

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