Job Experience Scheme relaunch

The Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) has just re-launched a number of schemes providing work exposure and experience for jobseekers. Many find it difficult to find a job due to limited work experience. The re-launching of these schemes was made possible by the European Social Fund.

The Job Experience Scheme is specifically designed for young people aged 16 to 24 entering the labour market with little or no work experience in their chosen occupation. Participants are required to do 20 hours of work per week for up to 12 weeks. They can be placed with organisations within the public and private sectors. A weekly allowance of €46.59 will be given to each participant by the corporation.

The Private Sector Placement Scheme is similar, except that it is only open to private sector organisations, and participant jobseekers should have been registering for work for at least six consecutive months. Each participant is to do 30 hours of work per week up to 12 weeks, and a weekly allowance equivalent to 75 per cent of the minimum wage is to be paid by ETC.

The Active Youth Scheme provides an opportunity for young jobseekers who have been registering for work for at least six months to work with a local NGO, religious or sports organisation for 12 weeks. Participants will perform 20 hours of work with the organisation and will receive an allowance of €69.88 a week.

Through these schemes, the corporation hopes to enrich their work experience and strengthen their personal and occupational skills. Apart from improving participants' employability, these schemes help facilitate the transition of youths from school to work.

The employer does not incur financial costs during the scheme. However, all efforts should be made to ensure that the placement is in fact a learning experience and that health and safety requirements are observed at all times. All participants are to be covered by the organisation's insurance policy. ETC staff will regularly monitor participants on the schemes and will hold periodic visits to the actual workplace.

Interested organisations can find basic information and the relevant application forms from the ETC website at www.etc.gov.mt.

For more information, organisations are encouraged to e-mail the ETC schemes co-ordinator at schemes.etc@gov.mt or call on 2220 1225.