Employers can temporarily engage students with ICT competences and get up 50% of the wage co-financed by the Government.

The Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA) in collaboration with the Parliamentary Secretariat for Competitiveness and Economic Growth has launched the Student Placement Programme (SPP) for 2015.

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. “MITA facilitates this experience and provides incentives to employers to offer temporary work placements,” continued Mr Sultana.

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.

“We invite local firms to explore the possibilities of engaging skilled students to work not only on purely technical projects but also on creative small outreach projects such as training, awareness rising, or digital advertising. Every employer can tap into the Programme and benefit from an eager talent pool that is ready to actively participate in providing innovative ideas.”

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.

The seminar was also addressed by Dr José Herrera, Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth and said that, “SPP is a success story as it acts as a bridge between education and the workplace. This will allow participating students to sharpen their soft skills and thus develop the communication, confidence and character that they need in their future careers.”

“The Government is committed to apply technology in a way that it makes an effective difference in areas such as employment, industry and small businesses.”

Dr Herrera also encouraged entities that have in the past participated in SPP to act as ambassadors for the programme and share their experience with other employers. “We know that the most important resource for many local firms is human capital. SPP is a way how entities can have a say and shape the future workforce”

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, 11th May 2015. 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.

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