€13 million in European funds invested in the project VASTE
Minister for Inclusion and Social Wellbeing, Julia Farrugia Portelli and Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi visited Jobsplus—the main administrator of the VASTE project—for a press conference forming part of the ‘Insaħħu lill-Ħaddiem’ campaign.
The VASTE programme incorporates several services for training which focuses on the abilities of vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, who are not in employment. These people receive training before they start working, with the possibility to continue receiving training where they work. This whilst providing the possibility for employers to receive additional training to integrate further these people at their place of work.
The main objective is to nurture a more inclusive society in which people who are considered vulnerable or have any form of disability have the same opportunities to enter the job market.
Minister Farrugia Portelli spoke about the importance of such a project, a training project with the aim of leading persons with different disabilities and other vulnerable individuals towards alternative employment. Minister Farrugia Portelli said that everyone has the right to work and therefore this project is extremely useful. In fact, by the end of March 2021, around 1700 persons were assisted and by the end of February a total of 4,020 persons with disability were employed. The Minister concluded by saying that this government is committed to strengthen workers in a tangible manner. This programme saw that persons with disability would be given training and a strong foundation to enter workforce.
Parliamentary Secretary Zrinzo Azzopardi stated that this project has €13 million European funds allocated to it, showing our commitment to continue to invest in our workers.
He explained that apart from the VASTE project, Jobsplus administers a wide array of schemes all European funded, from which, about 27,000 people have benefitted. These schemes, jointly with the measures taken by the government during this pandemic, are proof of its commitment towards workers.
The Parliamentary Secretary concluded by saying that, ‘These are concrete measures which are having a direct impact on our workers, families and society. This whilst bringing about positive economic results to strengthen our country’s economy.’
Between 2016 and the end of 2020, there were more than 3,500 visits to private companies which led to the generation of about 900 work opportunities. This project has led to the first vocational multi-disciplinary centre which introduces the applicants to various sectors.
