Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications, Austin Gatt has launched the Student Job Placement Programme for 2008. While addressing past students, prospective and past employers, Dr Gatt said that the programme, now in its fourth year, is proving to be highly successful both for the students themselves and for the employers.

Dr Gatt presented certificates to 130 full time ICT students from MCAST, the University and other private ICT Training Centres, who participated in last summer's scheme. The temporary jobs were made available by a number of organisations both from the Public and Private Sectors.

Employers are keen on the scheme as they feel that the students bring with them new and updated ideas, whilst giving them the opportunity to access students on the job before they actually hire them on a permanent basis.

On the other hand, students consider the scheme as a great opportunity for them to put what they learn into practice. For many, this is their first work experience. It is also considered as a stepping stone into the working world and their future career.

Full time ICT students are invited to submit their interest through the Ministry. Employers are invited to do likewise and similarly register their job opportunities, they will then be in a position to interview and choose their preferred students. Registrations are available on the web site - www.thesmartisland.gov.mt or e-mail fiona.pace@gov.mt telephone 2125 5495.

The work phase will be based on a minimum eight week period on the basis of a 40-hour week between July and September 2008. The companies involved will pay students at the rate of €4.81 (Lm2.06) per hour and may agree with the students to work more hours.

The Minister concluded by saying that this scheme forms part of Government's efforts to strengthen the potential of the Maltese workers and create 'a smart workforce'.