Priority axis
The ESF programme for mainland Finland consists of five priority axes during the Structural Fund period 2007–2013. The priority axes were designed to make it easier to allocate financing. They are based on the national Structural Fund strategy and the ESF Regulation.
Priority axis 1 develops entrepreneurship and businesses as
well as the skills of personnel and work organisations. A particular aim was to improve the preparedness of SMEs and personnel to adapt to the restructuring caused by global economy and labour force ageing. The aim is to ensure the retention of employees at work and the availability of a skilled labour force. The priority axis also promotes equality at work in general and equal opportunities for both genders at work in particular.
Priority axis 2 aims to decrease structural unemployment. Special actions will be taken to combat prolonged unemployment and its consequences, but another aim is to decrease the dropout rates of young people and prevent social exclusion. The support helps to prepare for changes in the age structure and the availability of labour force.
The objective of priority axis 3 is to improve the matching of
education and the labour market, the transfer from education
to work, and the skills required in the labour market. The main
emphasis is on the development of different systems, such as
employment service, information, guidance and counselling
systems as well as learning models that boost creativity.
Priority axis 4 focuses on cooperation between Member States and regions in ESF activities. The objective is to increase European cooperation in labour market policy, education and training policy, and industrial policy by promoting employment based immigration.
Priority axis 5 provides technical support for activities related
to preparation, management, monitoring, evaluation, information, and control. Support is also used for the improvement of the administrative skills related to the implementation of the ESF programme.
