Private firms may offer summer jobs to students

A number of university students could be taken on by private companies during their summer workphase if efforts by the University Students Council and Students Maintenance Grants Board to rope in the private sector pay off.

James Scicluna, president of the KSU, said the Chamber of Commerce and Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association had been approached and were both interested in helping students work for private firms in the summer months.

He is hoping that the Federation of Industry and the Malta Employers' Association will also be roped in.

Traditionally, students are offered paid work in government departments or corporations. It gives them work experience, often related to their area of studies, or is simply a way to earn extra money.

A few private companies were already offering work last year, but if more now come on board, there will be a wider array of work experience on offer.

The scheme is voluntary, and not all applicants are guaranteed work.

Last year, however, nearly all the students who applied for a job were given one.

This year's applications are to open soon, and should be submitted by the end of the month.