Over 3,000 youths undertook apprenticeship schemes in five years
3,589 young people have benefitted from apprenticeship schemes offered by the ETC in collaboration with MCAST in the last five years.
Government has refuted allegations that it started offering apprenticeship schemes after the idea was put forward by Labour leader Joseph Muscat.
"3,589 youth have benefitted from apprenticeship schemes offered by the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) and MCAST in the last five years," education minister Dolores Cristina said in a statement.
She said that on average, 700 young men apply on a yearly basis to take part in such schemes. "In most of the cases, these work experiences result in becoming a student's permanent job once they finish their studies," the ministry said.
Moreover, government issues a circular to government departments and entities to encourage them in offering apprenticeship opportunities to youths.
According to the ministry, 2,245 young people benefitted from the Technicians Apprenticeship Scheme (TAS) while another 1,344 participated in the Extended Skills Training Scheme (ESTS).
