ETC Chairperson and CEO, Dr Sandra Sladden and Dr Sue Vella respectively, awarded certificates to 205 apprentices, after completing an intensive apprenticeship programme. Apprenticeship schemes are run on the dual system where apprentices spend time at a vocational education institution for off-the-job training and at the workplace for on-the-job training.

The Employment and Training Corporation is responsible for the administration of the apprenticeship system. This involves the recruitment and placement of apprentices, the monitoring to ascertain that training is being given as planned and the final trade testing.

Apprenticeships are good opportunities for young people to get practical work experience while still studying at an educational institution like MCAST and ITS. This form of training facilitates the transition of students from school to work. An apprenticeship is also an opportunity for employers to train prospective candidates as future employees whom the company itself would have trained for its particular needs. At present there are 681 apprentices (up from 300 in 1995) placed with over 395 companies in Malta and Gozo. The Corporation's data shows that over 95% of apprentices who successfully conclude their training are in full-time employment.

The successful apprentices who received their Journeyman Certificate from the ETC have specialised in different areas. These include electronics, telecommunications, computer technology, mechanical and electrical engineering, agribusiness, air conditioning technology, woodwork, welding, printing, hairdressing, motor vehicle maintenance and repair, panel beating, food and beverage preparation and stone heritage restoration craftsmanship.

The Corporation is at present processing the applications of around 300 persons who have applied to follow an apprenticeship as from next October. Over 75% of them have already been placed with companies and have embarked on their observation period.

For more information on apprenticeships, the public is invited to contact the Apprenticeship Section of the Corporation on 2220 1303 / 11 or by email at apprentice.etc@gov.mt.