The National Training Fund (KFS) has no statutory list of priority industries; instead, annual spending priorities apply, which in practice favour companies in certain areas. This article discusses where entrepreneurs can find the best training funding opportunities for their employees, what the current KFS priorities are, and how to effectively apply for funds. Learn which industries have the best chances of receiving support and how to use these opportunities for your company’s development.
Quick Navigation
- Which Industries Are Considered Priority in KFS for 2024?
- Does the IT Sector Have Better Chances for KFS Funding?
- How Does KFS Support the Manufacturing Industry?
- Is the Medical Industry a Priority in KFS?
- What Funding Chances Does the Financial Services Sector Have?
- Can the Construction Industry Count on KFS Support?
- How Does KFS Support Competency Development in the Education Sector?
- Is the Transport Industry a Priority in KFS?
- What Funding Chances Does the Retail Sector Have?
- Can the Tourism Industry Count on KFS Support?
- How Does KFS Support Competency Development in the Energy Sector?
- Is the Agricultural Industry a Priority in KFS?
- What Funding Chances Does the Creative Sector Have?
- Can the Pharmaceutical Industry Count on KFS Support?
- How Does KFS Support Competency Development in the Logistics Sector?
- Summary
Which Industries Are Considered Priority in KFS for 2024?
Poland’s Labour Market and Employment Services Act of 20 March 2025 (Journal of Laws 2025, item 620; api.sejm.gov.pl) does not contain a list of priority industries. KFS spending priorities are set by the minister responsible for labour (no more than four per year, Article 25(1)(1)(b)), the voivodeship self-government (no more than three regional ones) and the district (one local priority); all are of equal weight (Article 125(4)), and the full list is published by the Voivodeship Labour Office (WUP). The priorities usually concern thematic areas or groups of participants rather than specific sectors. Funds outside the priorities can be allocated only after priority applications have been processed (Article 125(5)). The district head also assesses alignment with local or regional labour market needs and the ratio of price to market prices (Article 125(13)).
An area that has often appeared among the priorities in recent years is digital competency development. In the era of digitization and automation, skills related to new technologies are crucial for maintaining enterprise competitiveness. KFS can fund training in programming, data analysis, cybersecurity, and cloud computing operation.
Companies from any industry - for example the automotive industry, undergoing a transformation toward electromobility, or the medical industry, facing growing demand for health services - can apply for funds under the general rules. Chances depend on how well the application fits the priorities for the given year and the labour market needs of the district, so before applying, check the current priorities and the call for applications at your District Labour Office.
Does the IT Sector Have Better Chances for KFS Funding?
The Act does not favour the IT sector or any other industry. However, if the KFS priorities for the given year concern digital competencies, it is easier for companies operating in the IT industry and those implementing technological solutions to justify their application.
IT sector employers can apply for funding for training in programming, IT project management, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Additionally, KFS supports competency development related to new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and blockchain. Under Article 126 of the Act, funding covers up to 90% of costs for entities employing no more than 9 people (full-time equivalent) or with no employees, and up to 70% for other companies.
It is also worth emphasizing that the IT sector is key to implementing state digitization strategy and data-driven economic transformation. Ultimately, however, the award of funds depends on the district head’s criteria under Article 125(13) and the funds available at the given District Labour Office.
How Does KFS Support the Manufacturing Industry?
The manufacturing industry has been one of the pillars of the Polish economy for years, and manufacturing companies can use the National Training Fund under the general rules. Useful areas include training related to implementing modern production technologies, process automation, and robotization.
Manufacturing companies can apply for funding for training in CNC machine operation, industrial automation systems, or implementing Industry 4.0 solutions. Support also includes training related to quality management and production process optimization. This allows enterprises to increase their operational efficiency and better respond to changing market conditions.
Additionally, KFS can support manufacturing companies investing in ecological and energy-efficient technologies. Training on energy efficiency and natural resource management is becoming increasingly popular in the context of global trends related to sustainable development.
Is the Medical Industry a Priority in KFS?
The Act does not name the medical industry as a priority, but medical facilities can use the National Training Fund under the general rules. In the face of an aging population and growing health needs, investing in healthcare worker competency development is becoming essential.
KFS offers funding for training for doctors, nurses, and other medical workers in new medical technologies, telemedicine, and healthcare management. This training also includes issues related to modern diagnostic equipment operation and IT systems used in medical facilities.
Support also covers training on elderly care and chronic patient care. This allows healthcare workers to better respond to patient needs and improve the quality of medical services provided.
What Funding Chances Does the Financial Services Sector Have?
The financial services sector can also count on support from National Training Fund resources, especially in the context of the growing role of digital technologies in finance (FinTech). Companies in this industry can apply for funding for training related to financial data analysis, risk management, and cybersecurity.
Useful areas include developing competencies related to digital tool operation used in the financial sector. Employees of banks, insurance companies, and credit institutions can participate in courses on financial process automation, business analytics, and customer relationship management (CRM).
Funding also includes training on legal regulations related to the financial sector and anti-money laundering (AML). Thanks to KFS support, financial companies can upgrade their employee qualifications without bearing the full training costs.
Can the Construction Industry Count on KFS Support?
The construction industry can also use National Training Fund resources under the general rules. Useful areas include training related to modern construction technologies and construction project management.
Construction companies can apply for funding for training on modern construction equipment operation, project management according to BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology, and implementing ecological technologies in construction. Support can also cover project risk management training; note, however, that KFS does not fund training that is mandatory by law, e.g. occupational health and safety training (Article 125(12)).
Thanks to KFS support, construction companies can upgrade their employee qualifications without bearing the full education costs. Investment in employee competency development allows companies to better execute construction projects and increase their market competitiveness.
How Does KFS Support Competency Development in the Education Sector?
The education sector, being the foundation of social and economic development, can also use National Training Fund resources. Useful areas include developing competencies of teachers, lecturers, and educational institution managers. Support includes training related to modern teaching methods, educational technologies, and teaching process management.
KFS supports training in digital education, which is key in the era of the growing role of remote learning and hybrid educational models. Teachers can participate in courses on using e-learning tools, creating interactive teaching materials, and managing educational platforms. This allows them to more effectively engage students and adapt teaching methods to changing needs.
Funding also includes training in educational institution management, allowing school and kindergarten principals to better organize teaching staff work and effectively manage resources. KFS support contributes to improving education quality and better preparing pedagogical staff for contemporary education challenges.
Is the Transport Industry a Priority in KFS?
The transport industry, being one of the key economic sectors, can also count on National Training Fund support. Useful areas include training related to logistics, fleet management, and implementing modern transport technologies.
Transport companies can apply for funding for training on modern telematics system operation, which enables real-time vehicle monitoring and route optimization. Support also includes training in supply chain management and warehouse logistics.
Thanks to KFS support, transport companies can invest in their employee development without bearing the full training costs. Investment in modern transport technologies and logistics competency development allows companies to increase operational efficiency and better respond to changing market needs.
What Funding Chances Does the Retail Sector Have?
The retail sector, which plays an important role in the economy, can also count on National Training Fund support. Useful areas include developing competencies related to customer service, omnichannel sales, and sales process digitization.
Retail companies can apply for funding for training on customer relationship management (CRM), internet marketing, and sales process optimization. Support also includes training in sales data analysis and inventory management, allowing companies to better adapt their offer to customer needs.
Thanks to KFS support, retail companies can upgrade their employee qualifications without bearing the full training costs. Investment in sales and customer service competency development allows companies to increase customer loyalty and improve financial results.
Can the Tourism Industry Count on KFS Support?
The tourism industry, which was heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, can also use National Training Fund resources. Useful areas include training related to tourism sector recovery and adapting operations to new market realities.
Tourism companies can apply for funding for training in tourism marketing, accommodation facility management, and organizing tourism events. Support also includes training in international customer service and implementing new technologies in tourism, such as online booking platforms and hotel management systems (PMS).
Thanks to KFS support, tourism companies can upgrade their employee qualifications without bearing the full training costs. Investment in tourism-related competency development allows companies to better respond to customer needs and rebuild their market position after the crisis.
How Does KFS Support Competency Development in the Energy Sector?
The energy sector can use National Training Fund resources, and training is especially needed there in the context of global energy transformation and pursuit of a low-emission economy. Useful areas include training related to renewable energy sources (RES), energy efficiency, and green energy technologies.
Energy sector companies can apply for funding for training on photovoltaic system installation, heat pumps, and energy storage technologies. Support also includes training related to RES project management and energy consumption optimization in enterprises.
Thanks to KFS support, energy companies can invest in their employee development without bearing the full training costs. Investment in green energy and energy efficiency allows companies not only to reduce operating costs but also to meet regulatory requirements related to environmental protection.
Is the Agricultural Industry a Priority in KFS?
Entities in the agricultural industry can also use National Training Fund resources if they meet the access conditions, including having paid Labour Fund contributions for at least 6 months before applying or being exempt by law (Article 125(8)). Useful areas include developing competencies related to modern agricultural technologies, production process automation, and ecological farming methods.
Farmers and entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector can apply for funding for training on precision farming, farm management using digital tools, and implementing ecological technologies in agricultural production. Support also includes training related to agricultural product processing and marketing of organic products.
Thanks to KFS support, farmers can upgrade their qualifications without bearing the full training costs. Investment in modern agricultural technologies and ecological farming methods allows for increasing agricultural production efficiency and better adapting operations to market requirements and environmental regulations.
What Funding Chances Does the Creative Sector Have?
The creative sector, including industries such as design, film, music, art, and advertising, can also count on National Training Fund support. Competencies related to digital technologies are particularly significant for companies in the creative sector. Creators and entrepreneurs in this industry can apply for funding for training in graphic design, video editing, computer animation, and multimedia content creation.
Creative sector companies can also benefit from training related to digital marketing, social media management, and creating online advertising campaigns. Support also includes courses on creative project management and using data analysis tools in marketing and advertising.
Thanks to KFS support, creative sector companies can upgrade their employee qualifications without bearing the full training costs. Investment in digital and technological competencies allows creators to better adapt their activities to contemporary market requirements and increase their competitiveness in the international arena.
Can the Pharmaceutical Industry Count on KFS Support?
The pharmaceutical industry, being one of the key health economy sectors, can also use National Training Fund resources. Useful areas include training related to modern drug production technologies, quality management, and legal regulations concerning the pharmaceutical sector.
Pharmaceutical companies can apply for funding for training on implementing quality management systems (GMP - Good Manufacturing Practice), clinical data analysis, and pharmacotherapy safety management. Support also includes training related to new technologies for producing biological drugs and gene therapies.
Thanks to KFS support, pharmaceutical companies can upgrade their employee qualifications without bearing the full training costs. Investment in modern technologies and high quality standards allows companies to better adapt to regulatory requirements and increase their competitiveness in the global pharmaceutical market.
How Does KFS Support Competency Development in the Logistics Sector?
The logistics sector, being the backbone of the modern economy, can also count on National Training Fund support. Useful areas include training related to logistics process automation, supply chain management, and implementing modern transport technologies.
Logistics companies can apply for funding for training on warehouse process optimization, fleet management, and using telematics systems for transport monitoring. Support also includes training in international logistics and supply chain risk management.
Thanks to KFS support, logistics companies can upgrade their employee qualifications without bearing the full training costs. Investment in modern logistics technologies and supply chain management competency development allows companies to increase operational efficiency and better respond to changing market needs.
Summary
The National Training Fund offers extensive support opportunities for various economic sectors that are key to Polish economic development and its technological transformation. The Act does not single out industries: both traditional sectors such as manufacturing and construction and more modern ones such as IT, renewable energy, and logistics can use the fund. Chances depend on how well the application fits the KFS spending priorities for the given year and local labour market needs. Thanks to KFS support, companies can invest in their employee development without bearing the full training costs, allowing them to better adapt to contemporary market challenges and increase their competitiveness.
Read Also
- KFS 2024: New Priorities and Training Funding Opportunities for Employees
- Small Businesses and KFS: Why Small Companies Should Use Training Funding?
- How to Effectively Use KFS Funds? A Practical Guide for Employers
Read also
- KFS 2024: New Priorities and Training Funding Opportunities for Employees
- From Application to Implementation: A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining KFS Funding
- Small Businesses and KFS: Why Small Companies Should Use Training Funding?
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do KFS priority industries change?
KFS spending priorities are set annually: no more than four by the minister responsible for labour, up to three regional ones by the voivodeship self-government and one local priority by the district. Each year, new priorities reflect current economic needs, labor market trends, and national development strategies, so it is important to check the latest guidelines before applying.
Can a company from a non-priority industry still receive KFS funding?
Yes, companies from non-priority industries can still apply for KFS funding, although applications fitting the priorities for the given year are processed first, and funds outside the priorities are allocated only after that (Article 125(5)). Applicants should show how their training plans fit the current priorities and local labour market needs.
What percentage of training costs does KFS cover?
Under Article 126 of Poland’s Labour Market and Employment Services Act, KFS can cover up to 90% of training costs for entities with no employees or employing no more than 9 people (full-time equivalent) and up to 70% for other companies. Funding per participant may not exceed 200% of the average salary in the given year, and the annual limit per applicant ranges from 4 to 14 times the average salary depending on headcount.
How long does the KFS application process typically take?
The application is submitted electronically via an individual account within the call announced by the District Labour Office; processing times are set by the call and the regulation on KFS. It is advisable to apply well in advance of planned training dates, because training may not start before the agreement is signed and the office budget can be exhausted quickly.