Kaunas is opening its doors to the next generation of workers by offering significant financial incentives to local businesses. The Kaunas City Municipality has officially launched the registration for its Youth Summer Employment Program, a strategic initiative designed to bridge the gap between education and the professional world. For employers, this represents a unique opportunity to bolster their teams during the busy summer months while receiving direct financial support from the city.
This year, the municipality has allocated a total of €200,000 to the program. The goal is to help young residents aged 14 to 19 gain their first professional experience, develop financial literacy, and spend their summer break productively. The program is specifically targeted at students from general education and vocational schools, including those with special educational needs.
Financial Incentives for Kaunas Businesses
The core appeal for local enterprises is the wage compensation scheme. The municipality will cover a substantial portion of the costs associated with hiring young staff during the peak summer months of July and August.
Key financial details include:
* Subsidy Amount: Up to 50% of the minimum monthly wage.
* Duration: Compensation is available for up to 2 months per youth employee.
* Minimum Requirement: The subsidy is triggered only if the teenager works for at least 10 working days.
* Capacity: A single employer can hire up to five young people under this subsidized scheme simultaneously.
This funding is designed to lower the barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individual entrepreneurs who might otherwise hesitate to take on the responsibility of training a first-time worker. By offsetting half the wage costs, the city encourages a culture of mentorship and local investment.
Eligibility for Teens and Employers
To ensure the program benefits the local community, specific eligibility criteria have been established for both the young job seekers and the participating businesses.
For Young Participants:
* Must be between 14 and 19 years old.
* Must have a declared place of residence in Kaunas City.
* Must be currently enrolled in a general education or vocational training program.
* Each participant can benefit from this program only once per calendar year.
For Employers:
* Must be a legally established entity in the Republic of Lithuania.
* Must conduct business operations within the Kaunas city limits.
* Eligible entities include private companies, non-profit organizations, public institutions, and individuals operating under a business certificate or individual activity license.
Mayor Visvaldas Matijošaitis emphasized that this is an investment in the city’s future, noting that the earlier young people are introduced to professional culture, the more confident they will be in their future career paths.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
The window for employer registration is relatively short, making immediate action necessary for those looking to secure a spot in the program. Applications are being accepted until May 25.
How to Apply:
1. Digital Submission: The primary method is through the electronic services portal at e.paslaugos.lt. This is the fastest way to ensure your application is processed.
2. Physical Submission: If electronic filing is not possible, documents can be delivered in person to the Kaunas City Municipality at Laisvės al. 96. Note that hand-written forms will not be accepted; documents must be printed and signed.
3. Deadline: All applications must be submitted by the end of the business day on May 25. Late submissions will not be considered for the 2024 cycle.
For businesses with specific questions regarding the contract terms or the matching process, the Youth Affairs Coordinator, Greta Jorudaitė, is the primary point of contact. Inquiries can be directed to her via email at [email protected] or by phone at +370 (615) 82 447.
This initiative not only provides a financial cushion for businesses but also strengthens the local social fabric. By integrating youth into the workforce, Kaunas is fostering a more resilient and skilled local economy. Employers are encouraged to act quickly, as the €200,000 fund is distributed based on the order of valid applications and the availability of positions.
Source: Kauno miesto savivaldybė
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