The Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) in collaboration with the Gozo Business Chamber (GBC) organised a seminar for Gozitan entrepreneurs, who were provided with information about schemes and services offered by the ETC in Gozo. Employees, employers as well as those who are looking for a job, can benefit from these schemes.

Whilst addressing the participants, the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono referred to the importance of the ETC’s functions in Gozo. She explained that the corporation’s schemes closely affect the self-employed, employers, as well as employees and those looking for work.

Minister Debono said that during the first five years of EU membership, the employment and the human resources sectors in Gozo, benefited from schemes and other benefits co-financed through EU funds. Amongst others, she mentioned the Gozo Employment Aid Scheme, which was proposed in 2007 and through which during the past two years, 94 enterprises employed 264 employees, whilst benefiting from incentives that amount to more than €1,400,000.

The Minister also mentioned other schemes through which graduates and people registering for work, found a job in Gozo whilst others improved their skills through several courses. She also urged entrepreneurs and employees working in all sectors in Gozo, to participate in EU-funded schemes in order to benefit through their assistance. ‘This will also help in our endeavours towards the attainment of sustainable development for the island of Gozo’, Minister Debono added.

Employment and Training Corporation’s officials delivered information about two new schemes that will operate on a national basis, and which are partly funded by the European Social Fund.

The Employment Aid Programme 2009-2013 will be promoting the integration of disadvantaged persons in the labour market, facilitating access to employment and upgrading the skills of those furthest away from the labour market. The applications reaching the established criteria may benefit from a scheme, for which the sum of €8,200,000 has been allocated.

The Training Aid Framework, is intended to promote access for training to improve the skills of persons actively participating in the Maltese Labour Market. This scheme is being offered to the self employed or those employing one or more persons as well as employees in various sectors. Various training programmes are being organised through the allocation of €10,758,200, offering general or specific training, so that the programme’s objectives may be attained.

A number of self-employed as well as those employing one or more persons were present for the seminar. ETC Gozo Section manager, Mr Marcel Bonnici as well as the GBC’s President Mr Joe Grech, both delivered a speech during the seminar.

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