The national project connected to the Trenčín self-governing region, aimed at assisting the people of the Nitra region affected by the planned termination of coal mining, has achieved remarkable success with a record number of individuals participating in retraining programs. This initiative has provided a lifeline to employees of the Nováky power plant, who are now actively seeking new employment opportunities.
Towards the end of last year, the miners of Horní Nitra extracted the final tonne of brown coal in Slovakia. Simultaneously, the Nováky power plant ceased all coal-based electricity and heat production. This abrupt shift resulted in the loss of hundreds of jobs. However, many affected individuals seized the opportunity to explore new career paths through retraining programs.
The increasing enrollment in the Employability Support in the Horní Nitra Region project can be attributed to the efforts of experienced tutors operating from the newly established premises of the Business Academy in Prievidza. Previously stationed at their field office in Nováky, the tutors now have access to additional office and conference spaces. These facilities can accommodate up to four competence balance groups simultaneously, along with smaller groups and individual meetings.
Jaroslav Baška, the president of the Trenčín self-governing region, expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, stating, “We currently have 722 participants in the project, including 45 employees from the Nováky power plant. We aim to further increase the number of participants based on the Horná Nitra Prievidza mining company’s request for an additional 180 spots. The project, valued at 12 million euros, will continue until the end of this year.” Baška emphasized that the region secures funding for the project from the Just Transformation Fund.
