An assessment of the process of obtaining funds from the European social fund and its relevance to training and development to Maltese beneficiaries

Abstract

This dissertation sets out to determine the current process of applying for funds from the ESF and to evaluate that process for purposes of training and development distinguishing between large beneficiaries and small and medium sized beneficiaries relating to the Training Aid Framework. It also aims to assess the relevance of the Training Aid Framework to training and development in Maltese beneficiaries. The study focuses on the Training Aid Framework in order to determine its efficiency and effectiveness and thus suggest areas for improvement to better benefit from the limited funds. This qualitative study was completed through conducting eleven semi-structured interviews. These consisted of ten interviews with different beneficiaries benefiting from the Training Aid Framework and one interview with the Training Aid Framework Project Leader. The study identified several stages in the application process both from the point of view of the beneficiary and from the point of view of the Authority. Several benefits and drawbacks relating to the process of applying for funds were also identified. Furthermore, the differences in the application process between large beneficiaries and small and medium sized beneficiaries were determined as well as the costs involved in the application process. A set of recommendations are provided for the modification of the application process in order to better benefit the beneficiaries who receive the funds. The Training Aid Framework was beneficial in improving the beneficiaries concerned by helping them become more competitive and innovative and also by aiding them financially in their training costs. This study suggests that although several problems were identified at several stages of the application process, the benefits of using the Aid Scheme outweighed the drawbacks. However, through adapting and modifying the process, the process can improve. This could ensure that the process becomes more effective and efficient for the next wave of Structural Funds 2014-2020.