– R.W.M Local Employment Strategies & Innovation EUROPEAN UNION European Social Fund Article 6 Innovative Measures

Operational and Regional Employment Strategies for Integrated Development Approach – Region of Western

Promoter REGION OF – Regional Development Fund Ms Georgia ZEMPILIADOU Kamvounion 16A EL-501 00 Hellenic Democracy Phone: +30 2 4610 49551; Fax: +30 2 4610 49569 e-mail: [email protected] Regional Authority of Western Macedonia Partners Municipalities of KOZANI – – – – PTOLEMAIS Labour Centres of KOZANI – KASTORIA – FLORINA – GREVENA – PTOLEMAIS Chambers of Commerce & Industry of KOZANI – KASTORIA – FLORINA – GREVENA Centre of Greek Fur Producers – Corporate Bank of KOZANI

Local Employment Promotion Centres of Greek Manpower Organisation

Description Based on an analysis of the regional socio-economic data and the local labour markets, the project aims to elaborate a local employment strategy (LES), while, at the same time, creating a favourable environment for promoting employability, entrepreneurship, adaptability, gender equality and social inclusion of vulnerable groups. The project involves all relevant regional and local actors as well as the key beneficiary organisations. The final beneficiaries of the project are the unemployed, but also employees and employers of the region, focussing specifically on women and vulnerable groups.

Aims and objectives • To create, within the framework of the National Action Plan for employment (NAP), an integrated local employment strategy (LES) for the entire region that will both complement and provide input to NAP, thus maximising its impact at regional level • To mobilise the most significant actors at regional, sub-regional and local level (key municipalities, social partners, chambers of commerce and industry, financial institutions, employment promotion centres) Methodologies and activities • Analysing the dynamics of the local labour market (SWOT analysis, desk research, field work) • Creating a favourable environment for promoting employability • Promoting entrepreneurship, adaptability and gender equality as well as social inclusion of vulnerable groups • Monitoring, benchmarking and evaluation • Networking and dissemination of project's results

Outcomes • Increased employment rate in the entire region • Improved co-ordination and co-operation between all relevant actors at regional and local level • More powerful local/regional employment information system