ESF-Projekt FSE30596 „WEITER(mit)BILDUNG -  Speikboden AG - year 2021“

With Axis 3 "Education," the European Social Fund promotes the enhancement of the skills of workers operating in the regional territory through vocational training. This aims to foster competitive growth, strengthen South Tyrol's production systems in the markets, and enhance the territorial and social environment. The incentive is particularly attractive for companies in South Tyrol because the project costs are fully covered by the European Social Fund.

Speikboden AG has chosen to submit the ESF project "WEITER(mit)BILDUNG - Education Initiative of Speikboden AG" as part of the 8th call for educational projects under Axis 3. Investing in its employees is essential for optimal development as a ski destination. It is not only crucial to manage the ski resort and infrastructure deliberately but also to provide regular training for employees. The project aims not only to promote the quality of work but also to strengthen employees' sense of belonging to the company.

The project includes 234 hours of further education and is fully funded by the European Social Fund with a total budget of around 42,000 euros. The training is tailored to the needs of the participants and their respective roles, allowing them to deepen their existing knowledge or acquire new skills. The courses encompass both occupational safety and vocational training measures, as well as training to improve linguistic and social competencies in interactions with customers and colleagues.

Martin Unterweger, the CEO of Speikboden AG, highlights the importance of the ESF project for the ski resort: "Employee training is part of the corporate culture of Speikboden AG and a crucial component for providing high-quality services in the tourism sector in the region. Besides enhancing the service quality for guests, further education is also a vital tool to maintain the enthusiasm and motivation of employees and ensure their long-term commitment to the company."

Thus, further education is a significant success factor for the company's future, as investing in the people working within an organization is the key to sustainable success. Nevertheless, the CEO also emphasizes the complexity of an ESF project: "As a company, we have to adapt daily and remain flexible in response to new circumstances. In the implementation of an ESF project, we would have expected a bit more flexibility." Despite the challenges in project implementation, the successful completion of the project is planned for the end of 2022.