€300,000 fund opens to retrain former Sines coal plant workers

The Alentejo 2030 programme has opened a €300,000 call to fund individual training for former workers of the Sines coal-fired power station, which has closed. The money comes entirely from the EU's Just Transition Fund. It covers certified courses, from university degrees to vocational training, plus professional and school certification. Priority goes to sectors with growth potential in the Alentejo coast, including renewable energy, the maritime economy, agri-food, tourism and construction. Only ex-employees of the plant may apply, whatever their current employment status. The regional development commission says the aim is to ease the social and labour impact of the closure.