The National Training Fund (KFS) for 2024 introduces new priorities and training funding opportunities for employees. The article discusses current support directions, funding conditions, and application procedures. Learn how your company can benefit from these funds to invest in developing your team’s competencies.
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- What Are the Main KFS Priorities for 2024?
- Who Can Apply for KFS Funding in 2024?
- What Changes Were Introduced in KFS Fund Allocation Rules?
- What Is the Maximum Funding Amount Per Employee?
- What Types of Training Are Preferred Under KFS 2024?
- How to Prepare an Effective KFS Funding Application?
- Which Industries Have the Best Chances of Receiving KFS Support?
- Can KFS Funds Be Combined with Other Forms of Funding?
- What Are the KFS Application Deadlines in 2024?
- How to Account for Training Financed from KFS Funds?
- Are There Limits on the Number of Trainings Per Employee?
- What Documents Are Required for KFS Applications?
- Do Small Companies Have a Chance for KFS Funding?
- What Are the Consequences of Not Using Allocated KFS Funds?
What Are the Main KFS Priorities for 2024?
For 2024, a record amount of PLN 236,095 thousand has been allocated for the National Training Fund program, with an additional reserve of PLN 58,288 thousand. These significant financial resources are intended to support employee competency development in key economic areas.
The Ministry has defined eight strategic priorities that respond to current labor market challenges. The first and most important is support for education related to implementing new technological processes in enterprises. This includes production process automation, digitalization, and implementation of modern work tools.
The second important area is support for deficit occupations, whose list is updated at the district and voivodeship level. The program also pays special attention to people returning to the labor market after a break related to childcare and members of large families, offering them opportunities to update their professional competencies.
Another priority is digital skills development, which includes training in advanced software, artificial intelligence use, and cybersecurity. The program also supports automotive industry employees, which is currently undergoing intensive transformation toward electromobility.
Who Can Apply for KFS Funding in 2024?
The possibility of applying for KFS funds applies to a wide range of employers. The basic condition is employing at least one employee under an employment contract. The program covers both the private and public sectors, including enterprises of all sizes, state institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
Particularly favorable conditions have been prepared for microenterprises employing up to 10 employees. They can receive funding covering full continuing education costs. Other entities can obtain support of 80% of costs, while they must provide 20% own contribution.
An important aspect is also the requirement of not being in arrears with social insurance, health insurance, and tax payments. The employer must also demonstrate that planned training is consistent with the company’s needs and will contribute to employee competency development in priority areas.
What Changes Were Introduced in KFS Fund Allocation Rules?
2024 brought fundamental changes to the National Training Fund distribution system. The most important innovation is the implementation of a comprehensive electronic system that significantly simplifies the application submission and evaluation process. This system enables not only online document submission but also real-time application status monitoring.
A new application scoring system was also introduced, which rewards training projects closely linked to enterprise development. Special importance is given to training supporting digital and energy transformation of companies. Additional points are awarded to projects assuming comprehensive development programs combining various forms of continuing education.
An important change is also the introduction of a more flexible approach to fund settlement. Expenditure documentation procedures have been simplified, while increasing emphasis on measurable training effects. Employers have gained the ability to respond faster to changing training needs through the introduction of a mechanism for modifying approved applications.
What Is the Maximum Funding Amount Per Employee?
The maximum funding limit per employee in 2024 has been set at PLN 15,000. This amount can be used for various forms of continuing education, including specialized professional courses, postgraduate studies, or industry training. The financing system was designed to enable employees to participate in several complementary trainings during the year.
For microenterprises, it is possible to receive full reimbursement of education costs up to the established limit. Larger enterprises must provide 20% own contribution, which means that with maximum funding of PLN 15,000, the total training value can amount to PLN 18,750 per employee.
Funding covers a wide range of accompanying costs. Beyond the training itself, funds can be allocated for teaching materials, qualification exams, necessary medical or psychological examinations, as well as travel and accommodation costs for off-site training. The program also provides for the possibility of financing accident insurance costs related to undertaken education.
What Types of Training Are Preferred Under KFS 2024?
The National Training Fund in 2024 places particular emphasis on training supporting digital and green transformation of enterprises. In the digital competency area, training in programming, IT system administration, cybersecurity, and use of artificial intelligence in business processes is prioritized. Comprehensive training programs combining theory with practical workshops are particularly valued.
In the context of green transformation, training on energy efficiency, circular economy, and sustainable development is covered by funding. The program also supports courses in environmental project management and implementing ecological solutions in enterprises. Training on new environmental protection-related legal regulations is an important element.
A significant support area is training developing soft skills, particularly in managing distributed teams, intercultural communication, and adaptation to organizational changes. The program also includes project management courses, with special emphasis on agile and hybrid methodologies. Industry training responding to specific needs of individual economic sectors is also covered by funding.
How to Prepare an Effective KFS Funding Application?
Preparing an effective funding application requires a strategic approach and careful planning. A key element is conducting a detailed analysis of the company’s and employees’ training needs. The application should contain precise justification of how planned training will contribute to enterprise development and increase its market competitiveness.
The documentation should describe in detail the planned learning outcomes and their practical application in daily work. It is important to present measurable success indicators and methods of their verification. The application should also contain a detailed training schedule, taking into account the company’s work specifics and employees’ time availability.
An important aspect is precise determination of the training project budget. All costs should be included, including training fees, teaching materials, certification exams, and any additional costs. It is also recommended to present alternative training implementation scenarios, which increases project flexibility and its chances of positive evaluation.
Which Industries Have the Best Chances of Receiving KFS Support?
Industries undergoing intensive technological and organizational transformation have the best chances of receiving support. The automotive sector is at the top of the priority industries list due to fundamental changes related to the transition to electromobility. Manufacturers and suppliers from this industry can count on significant support for employee retraining and developing new technical competencies.
The IT and new technologies industry is also at the center of KFS attention. The dynamic development of this sector requires continuous updating of employee knowledge and skills. Training projects on cybersecurity, software development, and cloud solution implementation are particularly valued. The program also supports training in artificial intelligence and business process automation.
Enterprises from the energy sector are also significant beneficiaries, especially those involved in transformation toward renewable energy sources. KFS supports training related to new energy technologies, energy efficiency, and project management in the green energy area.
Can KFS Funds Be Combined with Other Forms of Funding?
The possibility of combining KFS funds with other financing sources is one of the important aspects of the program. Employers can use various forms of support in parallel, while maintaining the principle of no double financing of the same expenses. This means that the same costs cannot be financed simultaneously from different public sources.
In practice, it is possible to combine KFS funds with EU programs, regional operational programs, or enterprise’s own funds. The key is precise cost separation and maintaining transparent financial documentation. Employers can, for example, finance part of training from KFS funds and the rest from other available sources.
An important issue is also the possibility of combining various forms of support within comprehensive development programs. Enterprises can create complex employee development paths using various financial instruments available on the market.
What Are the KFS Application Deadlines in 2024?
The process of submitting KFS funding applications in 2024 has been divided into several key stages. The first application call begins in January and covers projects planned for implementation in the first half of the year. Subsequent calls are organized cyclically, allowing employers to better plan development activities.
Applications should be submitted well in advance before the planned training start. It is recommended to prepare documentation at least two months before the planned start date of the training project. This allows for possible supplements and corrections to the application in case of comments from the evaluating institution.
How to Account for Training Financed from KFS Funds?
The process of accounting for KFS-financed training requires detailed documentation of all implementation stages. The employer must present complete documentation including invoices, payment confirmations, and documents confirming employee participation in training. Each expense must be consistent with the originally approved application and schedule.
An important element of the settlement is documentation confirming learning outcomes. Certificates, training completion certificates, and documents confirming acquisition of new competencies should be collected. For internal training, detailed attendance lists and class journals are required. The settlement system also requires presentation of reports on the use of acquired skills in professional practice.
The employer is obligated to keep complete documentation for a minimum of 10 years from training completion. This also includes training materials, class programs, and all documents confirming achievement of established educational goals. In case of inspection, it must be demonstrated that funds were used for their intended purpose and produced the expected effects.
Are There Limits on the Number of Trainings Per Employee?
Under KFS 2024, no rigid limits have been introduced regarding the number of trainings per employee. The key limitation is the annual financial limit of PLN 15,000 per person. Within this amount, an employee can participate in any number of trainings, provided they create a coherent professional development path.
However, employers should rationally plan each employee’s development path. Creating comprehensive training programs that combine various forms of education and ensure systematic competency development is recommended. Projects assuming gradual skill building through a sequence of related trainings are particularly valued.
An important aspect is also even distribution of trainings over time. Too high intensity can negatively affect the effectiveness of the learning process and the ability to practically use acquired knowledge. The program should also account for time needed to implement new skills in professional practice.
What Documents Are Required for KFS Applications?
A complete KFS funding application requires preparation of a number of documents confirming the validity of planned trainings and the employer’s ability to implement them. The basic document is the application form containing a detailed description of planned development activities, their goals, and expected outcomes.
How does KFS support digital competency development in 2024?
Support for digital competency development is one of the key pillars of KFS in 2024. The program particularly focuses on financing training related to enterprise digital transformation. This includes advanced courses in data analysis, programming, and use of artificial intelligence in business processes.
Employers can receive funding for cybersecurity training, which is becoming increasingly critical in the era of growing digital threats. The program also supports competency development in digital project management, cloud solution implementation, and business process automation. Special attention is paid to training on tools for remote and hybrid work.
Under KFS, it is also possible to finance training in digital marketing, e-commerce, and managing company presence in the digital environment. The program also includes courses on using blockchain technology, Internet of Things, and augmented reality in production and service processes.
Do Small Companies Have a Chance for KFS Funding?
Small enterprises not only have a chance but are often in a privileged position in accessing KFS funds. The program was designed to particularly support competency development in the small and medium enterprise sector. Microenterprises can receive funding covering 100% of training costs, which constitutes significant support for their training budgets.
The application evaluation system takes into account the specifics of small companies, appreciating their development potential and impact on the local labor market. Additionally, small enterprises often receive additional points in the application evaluation process, especially if planned training directly translates into increasing their competitiveness or introducing innovations.
The program also offers simplified application procedures for small companies, taking into account their limited administrative resources. Advisory support is available at the application preparation stage and during training project implementation.
What Are the Consequences of Not Using Allocated KFS Funds?
Failure to use allocated KFS funds can lead to a number of consequences, both financial and administrative. The basic effect is the obligation to return unused funds with interest. In case of significant deviations from project assumptions, the employer may be obligated to return all received funding.
It is also important that ineffective use of funds may affect the evaluation of future applications submitted by the given employer. The program provides for a system of monitoring the effectiveness of allocated fund use, and the history of previous project implementation is taken into account when evaluating subsequent applications.
To avoid such situations, employers should carefully plan the training schedule and regularly monitor project implementation progress. In case of difficulties in implementing planned activities, modifications to the project can be made, provided the changes are agreed in advance with the fund-granting institution.
Read Also
- Priority Industries in KFS: Where to Find the Best Funding Opportunities?
- Small Businesses and KFS: Why Small Companies Should Use Training Funding?
- How to Effectively Use KFS Funds? A Practical Guide for Employers
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive a decision on a KFS funding application?
The processing time for KFS applications typically ranges from 30 to 45 days from the submission deadline. District labor offices evaluate applications based on a scoring system that prioritizes alignment with national training priorities and the quality of the training plan presented.
Can self-employed individuals apply for KFS training funding?
No, KFS funding is available exclusively to employers who have at least one person employed under an employment contract. Self-employed individuals without employees are not eligible, but they may explore other funding sources such as regional operational programs or EU-funded grants for professional development.
What happens if an employee leaves the company shortly after completing KFS-funded training?
There is no legal obligation for the employee to remain with the company after completing KFS-funded training, and the employer is not required to return the funds in such a case. However, some employers include training commitment clauses in separate agreements with employees to mitigate this risk.
Are online and remote training formats eligible for KFS funding in 2024?
Yes, online and hybrid training formats are fully eligible for KFS funding in 2024. The pandemic period normalized remote learning, and labor offices now accept these formats provided the training institution meets quality standards and can document participant attendance and learning outcomes.