The Malta Information Technology Agency - through its Student Placement Programme - is trying to help businesses benefit from a pool of untapped skilled human resources specialising in information and communication technology.

Daniela Busuttil Dougall, project manager of the Student Placement Programme, explains that, as a result of a shift towards an "ICT-savvy" economy and the resultant strong demand for ICT related services, there has been a marked increase in the number of students who opt to follow an ICT-related course. However, despite this increase, the government is aiming at attracting 1,000 ICT graduates a year.

Information and communication technology is one of the fastest growing economic sectors worldwide and with recent statistics showing that the local ICT sector has an impressive five per cent share of total employment (the fourth highest in the European Union), Malta is no exception to this trend.

"As the main driver behind Malta's ICT policy, the Malta Information Technology Agency is in an excellent position to ensure that businesses are given the opportunity to benefit from the pool of students, who are currently being trained to work within the ICT industry," Ms Busuttil Dougall said.

"This is precisely why the Student Placement Programme was developed - to bring the education and industry together in a mutually beneficial way."

Through the Student Placement Programme, businesses are given access to a talented pool of students who are being trained in ICT and other related subjects, including management, telecommunications and finance.

Ms Busuttil Dougall explained: "The placement is for a minimum of eight weeks throughout the summer months, allowing business to capitalise on the extra skills that are available on the market for that period of time, while students gain essential hands-on experience of putting knowledge into practice".

Businesses interested in the programme get to boost internal resources at a very competitive cost and for a targeted period of time. However, there are other benefits associated with the programme, including the opportunity to "try out" possible future employees.

"Last year, the programme was a resounding success, with over 200 successful placements. According to feedback received, this informal 'head hunting' practice is extremely effective. The organisation gets to try out a potential employee for a few weeks, moulding them to their own way of doing business," Ms Busuttil Dougall said.

"The contacts are made and a direct relationship is established; if the 'recruit' performs well, then a potential future employee has successfully been identified and selected."

This programme does not apply to businesses operating directly within the ICT industry alone. In today's technology and knowledge based society, most businesses need ICT-conversant employees to handle a wide variety of tasks including web design and content management, graphic design, business administration, research and project management.

Businesses operating in a vast variety of sectors can benefit from this programme and past participants include businesses operating in communications, marketing and advertising, design, publishing, manufacturing and even the hospitality industry have all had a great number of successful matches through this programme.

There is no obligation for business organisations participating in the scheme to offer long term employment. "Participating businesses can simply benefit from a new injection of creative talent and enthusiasm over the summer months, while the student boosts his or her skills, and consequently their CV and employability," Ms Busuttil Dougall said.

Organisations interested in participating in the Student Placement Programme may visit www.mita.gov.mt/careers for further information and to register their interest.

The closing date is June 1.