EU support for training and mobility for SMEs

Mobility is a cornerstone of the modern European Union without borders. The European Commission strongly supports mobility by providing on-the-job training abroad. European enterprises can benefit from a wide range of EU support schemes for vocational and educational training, with specific emphasis on smaller firms.

Leonardo da Vinci Programme

Effective training at all stages of life is critical to Europe's businesses, if they are to have employees with the range of up-to-date skills needed to compete in the global marketplace. The EU's Lifelong Learning Programme, with its four sub-programmes, supports training and mobility. For small firms, the Leonardo da Vinci programme which promotes vocational education and training, is the most relevant. It supports innovative transnational initiatives for promoting the knowledge, aptitudes and skills necessary for individuals to contribute fully in working life and to society in general.

Find out about the opportunities offered by the Leonardo da Vinci Programme:

Guide for Training in SMEs

The Commission has identified in a 2009 study the key challenges SMEs face with regard to training and lifelong learning. Information on how to deal with them and find innovate solutions is provided in a practical format for entrepreneurs, business organisations and policy makers. The study is completed by a user-friendly catalogue of 50 Cases of good practices of skills development and continuous training in SMEs.