The unemployed and employers can participate in a series of traineeships offered by the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC).

Supported by the ‘I Can’ campaign, this is one of a number of initiatives and schemes which fall under the corporation’s Employability Programme and which the corporation is offering to the public for free.

Traineeships are currently open in woodwork skills, office procedures and skills, sales training, training as freight and shipping clerks, and training for elderly care. Applications are being received until 3.30 p.m. on Friday.

A traineeship is a dual system of occupational training, where-by trainees are given both off-the-job and on-the-job training.

This kind of programme targets new labour market entrants, unemployed or employees in-volved in restructuring exercises, and helps participants develop their occupational skills.

Depending on the programme, trainees embark on traineeships with a minimum duration of 13 consecutive weeks and a maximum of 52 weeks, based on a 40-hour week.

On completion of the traineeship, they are then assessed by a trade testing board for standards of occupational competence. Those who show proficiency in a range of skills are awarded a certificate of achievement.

Traineeships consider both the needs of workers and those of businesses, ensuring that businesses can find employees who are readily trained and experienced in the skills required by a particular industry.

To achieve this, ETC’s programmes are developed by the corporations in collaboration with employers, their associations or other professional bodies, and act to supplement skills shortages.

For more information, visit www.etc.gov.mt or call 2220 1610/4.