€2.5 million have been allocated for a new initiative to promote training of employees, with 85% of the funds being covered by the European Social Fund under the Operation Programme 11. In addition, €15 million are being allocated for a seperate SME initiative. The final allocated fund for this can reach up to €90 million, following investment by intermediaries.
Through the Training Aid Framework Programme, trainer’s wages or direct training fees, flights expenses as well as trainees’ costs will be reimbursed. The Employment and Training Corporation (ETC), has simplified the approval process, and employers will no longer have to go through complex application procedures.
A flat rate of €14 per training hour will be applied for the maximum of 25 hours, for a maximum of 15 trainees per group. Higher flat rates apply for maritime, ICT and aviation sectors. The programme also offers an additional subsidy on wages. Companies which employ over 250 employees will be aided with 50% of the costs while small companies benefit from higher percentages (up to 70%).
The ETC will be accepting applications as of Monday 24th until mid December. All information can be found on the corporation’s website. Clyde Caruana, ETC representative, said that the corporation is committed to delivering funds on time, in contrast to delays present in previous years. ETC has also launched a pilot project to test the procedure of the application. Funds are to be distributed within 4 months, with a number of meetings with employers and stakeholders being carried out in the meantime.
Addressing a press statement this morning, Parliamentary Secretary Ian Borg said that the budget measures aim at rewarding hard workers, while allowing the private sector to expand further and provide more access to finance for SMEs. 190 SMEs benefited from BOV’s JEREMIE scheme, which provided financial support to such enterprises. The SME initiative is the second part of the scheme, offering more benefits to enterprises. Malta is among the first of three member states which have applied for the scheme.
So Galerie
So Galerie is one of the SMEs to have benefited from the JEREMIE scheme. The art gallery showcases some of the best in both local and international art. David Pisani and Liliana Fleri Soler are two Maltese artists whose works are showcased. The gallery also provides tailor made works of art according to client’s specifications, and imports particular resources, such as light fittings. Art lessons for children are held at the gallery during summer months and MCAST graduates are being supported by being given the opportunity to expose their art work at the gallery. A new picture house will not feature a laboratory for artists, allowing clients to walk through all stages of the art work, from production to framing.
Currently oil pantings by Seyran Gasparyan are being exhibited at the Gallery in Iklin.