Agreement signed 'to sponsor' ITS students

Students attending the Institute of Tourism Studies will have a chance to get sponsored by tourism and hospitality operators, after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between ITS and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA).

Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis explained that ITS students who apply for a sponsorship will have to pass through an interview, and that those selected will have the work on a part-time basis with their sponsor, hence giving them direct experience within the local tourism industry.

Sponsored students will be able to continue working part-time with their sponsors throughout the summer holidays.

The sponsorship scheme will complement, and not replace, the existent placements and stipends.

“This agreement will benefit the participatory businesses as well as the industry in general, as these students will graduate from school already armed with the wisdom and experience that they will require for the workplace,” Zammit Lewis said. “This collaboration will help more students on the path to becoming tourism and hospitality professionals, and help operators address their annual human capital shortcomings.”