Employers can temporarily engage students with ICT competences and get up 50% of the wage co-financed by the government, Mita (the Malta Information Technology Agency) said today.
The scheme is operated by Mita and the Secretariat for Competitiveness and Economic Growth.
Addressing a seminar for employers, Tony Sultana - Mita’s executive chairman, said that “the Student Placement Programme is a win-win opportunity for both students and employers. Students stand to gain relevant work experience whilst employers are able to engage temporary additional resources competent in ICT and ICT-related skills.”
This year the Programme introduces a new element of flexibility whereby employers and students can mutually agree on when the placement shall start and also on their working hours.
The Student Placement Programme is open for all entities (private and public) operating in the ICT sector and other organisations (NGOs) which use technology in their operations – such as those that operate in the tourism, education, health, or manufacturing sectors.
Through SPP, employers can be reimbursed for the students they take on during summer. The co-financing rate for the private sector is 50% of the salary costs whilst for the public sector it is 100%. SPP is also open to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) where the co-financing rate is 100% of the students’ salary.
José Herrera, Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth and the scheme will allow participating students to sharpen their skills and thus develop the communication, confidence and character that they need in their future careers.
“Government is committed to apply technology in a way that it makes an effective difference in areas such as employment, industry and small businesses.”
The guidelines for reimbursement provide that the students are employed for 330 reimbursable hours at the rate of €5.82 per hour. In general, students are employed between July and September. However, employers are free to make flexible arrangements with their selected students as to the starting date and the delivery of hours per week.
Entities that wish to participate in the SPP should apply online by providing their requirements in terms of skills and number of students. MITA will then match their requirements with its pool of students and send employers a list of potential candidates. Employers can then conduct interviews with the candidates and select the students they wish to engage.
Students, following an ICT or ICT-related course (equivalent to MQF Level 4 and higher) at University, MCAST or at a private training provider, must apply for a summer placement by Monday, May 11. Students who are awaiting the results of their ICT or ICT-related A Level or Intermediate or Diploma qualification can also apply. Student applications are only accepted online
Applications for employers and students are now open online from www.mita.gov.mt/spp