Training incentives by MITC

It is a well-known fact that one of the most essential pre-requisites for entry into any business sector is the level of knowledge, skills and competence acquired throughout one's academic and occupational years.

In a progressive and competitive financial services market, the need for adequately equipped employees is vital to both the retention of the high repute which the service industry enjoys and to the provision of a high level of professional service across all occupational tiers within this fast growing industry.

To support these strategic objectives, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) set up an Education Consultative Council (ECC) to provide continuous training programmes intended to propagate knowledge, develop skills and ensure competence. Furthermore, it aims to keep market players abreast of developments in their respective sectors within the financial services.

The Malta International Training Centre (MITC) forms part of the ECC and has been, throughout its 27 years of service, instrumental in assisting practitioners achieve their professional qualifications.

Consequently, to further encourage prospective practitioners, the MITC will be launching a variety of core courses in Insurance, Risk Management and Finance from October.

In insurance, the MFSA will sponsor 10 students on the Advanced Insurance Diploma programme (ACII-UK).

These will benefit from fully funded tuition at MITC and receive a stipend equivalent to that provided by the University of Malta. The student will be responsible for the payment of the related course books and the respective membership and examination fees. Students seeking funding will be selected by an interview.

In finance, the MITC is offering two finance-related programmes from October. One in Financial Services, Operations and Compliance (held in conjunction with the London School of Economics - UK) and another in Corporate Finance, Treasury and Portfolio Management (held in conjunction with the University of Reading - UK). Both courses will be offered free of charge to bona fide unemployed and married women seeking to retrain to work in the financial services.

More information can be obtained from the MITC at 102 St Francis Street, Floriana, or from the MITC website at www.mitcentre.com. MITC personnel may be contacted by e-mailing info@mitcentre.com or by calling 2123 0831/2123 3931.

Application forms must be submitted by September 12.