An EU scheme that offers Maltese youngsters the chance to get into training or work at the end of secondary schooling is being seen by the government as a big success and as a factor in reducing unemployment.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat lauded the success of the Youth Guarantee scheme yesterday during a visit to Maltapost, where six beneficiaries of the scheme are in a training placement.

He said the government was aiming to have 3000 youngsters in this scheme by the end of the year.

Last year, youth unemployment dropped to 13.2 per cent from 14.2 per cent a year earlier.

According to the Employment and Training Corporation, which is administering the scheme, 1,851 young people reaped its benefits in 2014.

Dr Muscat said that initiatives like revision and remedial classes held during the summer, for 16- and 17-year olds, helped young people achieve their aspirations instead of standing idle.

He described this as a culture change, in that young people were being encouraged to carry on with their training after they finish school.