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What is an apprenticeship? Apprenticeship Schemes are an effective medium of vocational education and training. In Malta they are based on the dual system. This witnesses the apprentice following a training programme at vocational educational institution and carry out on-the-job training at a place of work. This means that apprenticeship is an excellent way of getting a taste of what you would like to do as your future job, since it provides you with first hand experience on a real job. What is there to gain? Through apprenticeship you acquire competence since you will get a realistic view into the world of work. This experience, together with the theoretical training, will lead you towards acquiring a number of nationally recognised qualifications which provides proof that you are competent in a particular occupational area. This will mean that you will enhance your employability and stand an excellent chance of having a rewarding career. Experience has shown that over 85% of those who successfully completed an apprenticeship will be engaged in full-time employment subsequent to their apprenticeship whilst some of the others have even set up their own business. What kind of assistance will I get during the apprenticeship? Besides the maintenance grants, you will also earn a stipend that is paid to you by the employer that supports your learning (as explained below under Conditions of Apprenticeship). From its end the ETC will provide you with a training placement monitor your progress and will also be meeting with you through a number of monitoring visits that take place during the apprenticeship year to make sure that the training you are getting meets requirements. Administration Apprenticeship schemes are administered by the ETC’s Training Services Division. The responsibility covers: - Marketing of Schemes with Prospective Participants and Parents
- Issue call for applications
- Promotion of the apprenticeship scheme with prospective apprentices and employers
- Assisting persons who wish to embark on an apprenticeship to find a suitable training placement
- Provide assistance to organizations wishing to sponsor apprentices
- Monitor the on-the-job training of apprentices
- Co-ordinate the trade testing process of apprentices on completion of their apprenticeship
For which occupations are apprenticeships available? Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of industries and provide excellent career prospects to apprentices. Conditions of apprenticeship & Hours of Work Apprentices’ hours of work do not exceed the ordinary hours applicable to the employer’s establishment. Time allotted to theoretical instruction is considered as part of the normal working hours. & Vacation Leave Apprentices are entitled to 2 working days for every 20 days attendance at the place of work. & Statutory Bonuses Apprentices are entitled to half of the statutory bonuses (June and December). & National Insurance (NI) Contributions Weekly rate of NI contributions payable by the employer and the apprentice: - Under 18 years, 10% of weekly wage up to a maximum of €4.38
- Over 18 years, 10% of weekly wage up to a maximum of €7.94
& Sick Leave Apprentices are entitled to 30 days sick leave, of which 15 days will be on full pay and the other 15 days on half pay. This benefit may be availed of only after the successful completion of the probationary period. & Overtime Apprentices are eligible to work overtime provided the necessary consent is provided by ETC. This will ascertain that the extra hours will not influence badly on the time the apprentice needs to either rest or study. Overtime rates are those applicable to full-time employees performing the same job. No overtime rate is to be worked out on a wage below the National Statutory minimum wage. Overtime of apprentices below 18 years of age is regulated by LN 440 of 2003. Wages and Maintenance Grants The rates payable to apprentices under the Extended Skill Training Scheme are: Year: 1 Wage (payable by the sponsor): € 47.75 per week Maintenance Grant (payable by the Government): € 93.17 per month Year: 2 Wage (payable by the sponsor): € 49.99 per week Maintenance Grant (payable by the Government): € 93.17 per month Year: 3 Wage (payable by the sponsor): € 73.61 per week Maintenance Grant (payable by the Government): Nil The rates payable to apprentices under the Technician Apprenticeship Scheme are: Year: 1 Wage (payable by the sponsor): € 49.97 per week Maintenance Grant (payable by the Government): € 93.17 per month Year: 2 Wage (payable by the sponsor): € 52.20 per week Maintenance Grant (payable by the Government): € 93.17 per month Year: 3 Wage (payable by the sponsor): € 75.87 per week Maintenance Grant (payable by the Government): Nil Should you have any questions, get in contact with us – jobs@Vacancycentre.com
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