Trainees to get paid minimum wage under proposed law

Stipends for trainees and apprentices will be increased to the minimum wage, with the government providing them with a subsidy to bridge the gap from their current income.

This is proposed in a draft law aimed at regulating accredited training programmes for work placements, apprenticeships and internships that was launched today for public consultation.

The proposed law will also protect the rights and obligations of learners as employees, in full compliance with the Employment and Industrial Relations Act, the Young Persons’ Employment Regulations, the Social Security Act and the respective subsidiary legislation.

“Work-based learning, apprenticeships and similar forms of learning are regarded as an important part of any country’s development and the provision of high-quality services,” employment and education minister Evarist Bartolo said. “Vocational education and training systems that use work-based learning tend to be more effective in aiding the transition of young people into jobs. By alternating between school and work, learners develop the practical knowledge and skills employers seek.

“Developing policies and programmes to ensure the availability of a high-quality, highly-skilled labour force is currently broadly promoted at European and member state level, aiming to improve service quality, capacity, capability, efficiency and to meet the demands of contemporary economies.”