200 apprentices graduate

The Minister of Education, Youth and Employment, Dr Louis Galea, has awarded certificates to 200 apprentices, who are placed with 138 different companies, after completing an intensive apprenticeship programme.

Apprenticeship schemes are run on the dual system where apprentices spend time at a vocational education institution for off-the-job training and at the workplace for on-the-job training. The Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) is responsible for the administration of the apprenticeship system. This involves the recruitment and placement of apprentices, the monitoring to ascertain that training is being given as planned and the final trade testing.

Apprenticeships enable young people to get practical work experience while still studying at an educational institution like MCAST and ITS. This form of training facilitates the transition of students from school to work. An apprenticeship is also an opportunity for employers to train prospective candidates as future employees for its particular needs. At present there are 790 apprentices (up from 300 in 1995) placed with over 400 companies in Malta and Gozo. ETC data show that over 95 per cent of apprentices who successfully conclude their training are in full-time employment.

The successful apprentices received their Journeyman Certificates in different areas including electronics, telecommunications, computer technology, mechanical and electrical engineering, agribusiness, air conditioning technology, woodwork, welding, printing, hairdressing, motor vehicle maintenance and repair, panel beating, food and beverage preparation and stone heritage restoration craftsmanship.

While addressing the youths, Dr Galea said that the apprenticeship schemes they had just completed should not be seen as merely a chance to find a job, but should be considered as another step in their life-long journey of education and training. Nobody should rest on his laurels and expect that he or she will have a job for life, the minister stressed.

Today's economy and more so the economy of the future will present us with a myriad of opportunities which we need to be ready to take to continue to improve ourselves and get better jobs and career opportunities, he continued.

Government had invested heavily in MCAST and other educational institutions precisely to provide training and educational opportunities for all. Dr Galea said that these institutions provide opportunities for youth and adults, particularly for those who want to improve their skills and knowledge for better career prospects. He wished the apprentices a successful career full of opportunities.

For more information on apprenticeships, contact the Apprenticeship Section of ETC on 2220-1303/11, e-mail: apprentice.etc@gov.mt