It has been said that students often leave university unprepared to face the challenges of the real, working world. After years of theory, they may have plenty of knowledge about their chosen subject but could lack the expertise to go out there and apply it. As a result, employers often face lengthy training periods when they take on a new recruit.
This is where job placements and internships come in, giving students the chance to put what they’ve learnt into practice and employers the opportunity to instil real-world ideologies into undergraduates.
The Student Placement Programme has once again been launched – this is managed by the Malta Information Technology Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Communications.
“This programme gives students the chance to take the first real-world step onto the career ladder, and get paid for it,” explains Fabianne Ruggier from MITA. “Such placements are proven to give students a brilliant boost and a plethora of transferable skills, and also offers many benefits to the employers involved.”
SPP has also extended its remit to accept both ICT and ICT-related full-time students.
Moreover, both ICT-producing and ICT-using employers can offer internships. Additionally, government will be financing 50 per cent of the students’ wage.
These placements are scheduled to take place between July and September, though students and employers can choose to keep working together after that.
“It is win-win situation. Employers benefit from the energy, fresh ideas and enthusiasm students are known to bring to any organisation. In addition, they may identify particular students who are well-suited as future potential full-time employees.”
Meanwhile, students gain valuable hands-on experience. Work placements are known to give students a window onto the industry that they hope to join and to help them interact with professionals already working in it.
“This goes beyond being a extra tick on a student’s CV and helps them to make valuable long-term contacts and to formulate their first move after graduation,” added Ruggier.
“We have seen that it works. Many students who have carried out placements in past years talk very positively of their experiences and say it gave them the confidence to go out and start working towards the career they have always dreamed of.”
Interested employers must apply by today by sending an e-mail to spp.mita@gov.mt, clearly indicating their requirements, including any particular qualification preferences and the knowledge/skill level they are seeking, together with their contact details.
The SPP team at MITA will then get in touch directly.