Simona Bucura-Oprescu, Minister of Labor, announced the launch of the fact that the ministry he leads is behind a very important new initiative, which is intended to offer young people under 30 the opportunity to qualify and earn while learning on the job.
Simona Bucura-Oprescu officially explains that the START project - Invest in qualifications for the future represents an innovative vocational training solution, which combines learning with remuneration and aims to increase the number of specialists in technical and practical fields.
The initiative is financed with 30 million euros from European funds and the state budget, which underlines the authorities' commitment to investing in human resources. Under the program, participants can follow paid apprenticeships, lasting between 6 and 36 months, depending on the level of qualification required.
Simona Bucura-Oprescu also announces that, in order to stimulate employers to get involved, they benefit from a monthly subsidy of 2250 lei for each apprentice employed, details on how the money is provided being available at the institutions subordinate to the ministry.
The project comes in a context where the attractiveness of technical professions is essential for the development of a well-trained workforce. Data from the REGES/REVISAL system indicate competitive average gross salaries for some of the most sought-after professions.
For example, jobs such as welder, mold maker, plumber, electrician, and tinsmith enjoy average salaries ranging from 5764 lei to 7262 lei per month, thus highlighting their economic potential.
Simona Bucura-Oprescu conveys that the implementation of the START program aims not only to provide vocational training, but also to promote a culture of continuous learning and dedication in choosing a career. By combining the learning period with remuneration, initiatives of this kind contribute to the rapid integration of young people into the labor market and to strengthening confidence in their own abilities.
In addition to the immediate benefits for young people and employers, the START program is seen as a successful model for other vocational training projects. Thus, investment in qualification becomes an important pillar in economic development and in reducing unemployment among the young population, providing a boost of confidence both among specialists and among companies that are actively involved in this endeavor.
