To collect feedback from the enterprises supporting consortia during the RCF grant program application process, the Regional Challenge Fund conducted a short online survey from the 3rd to the 9th of June.
In the survey, the RCF asked partnering enterprises to share their motivation for application, expectations from the programme, as well as challenges they expect on the path of cooperative training implementation.
Here are the results of the 96 responses in total.
The survey showed that the majority of companies (59.4%) joined the consortium led by a VET institute to get access to skilled employees. Another major reason (47.9%) was a long-term investment to increase productivity, competitiveness, and innovativeness. Only 16.7% of consider the reduction of recruitment, onboarding and training costs to be the motivation for application.
When it comes to expectations from the joint implementation of CT, 69.8% of enterprises stated skilled employees ready to immerse in the working process as the main anticipation. The result is followed by the right equipment for schools that fits the demand of the sector/company (46.9%). Incentives (fiscal, etc.) or other financial benefits were stated only by 6.3% of the enterprises.
While most of the survey participants stated that they didn’t expect any challenges, some companies did. Moreover, out of 36 respondents, 61.1% of the enterprises stated that they see poaching, that is students leaving for other job opportunities, as the main challenge. In addition, 41.7% of the companies as the main challenge see the allocation of in-company trainers and keeping the production process. Only 2.8% of the enterprises fear SMEs not receiving enough benefit for time invested.
Out of the 96 responses, only 1% of the companies need additional help implementing the programme as written in a timely manner, while 43.8% of them need assistance in capacity building of trainers and mentors, followed by exchanges with other companies, within the region (webinars, events) (41.7%).
The Regional Challenge Fund thanks all the companies who shared their insightful experience.