The Malta Chamber tody congratulated government for utilising University stipends as an instrument to provide for present and potential gaps in the labour market. The Education Ministry has done so concretely by granting students reading for a B.Sc in Pharmaceutical Science a higher stipend and initial financial grant as of next month.

This initiative is perceived to be in line with the Chamber’s stance in favour of a reformed stipend system that better guides students in choosing more successful career paths.

In its document ‘An Economic Vision for Malta 2014-2020’, the Chamber recommended that the stipend system must be linked to an Employability Index indicating the possibilities of employment and potential income on completetion of a chosen study path. This measure is crucial in ensuring the availability of the skills required for the country to pursue its chosen economic path. (recommendation 13)

In the same document, the Chamber also argued that stipends in higher and further education should not be provided gratuitously. Students should be assigned to compulsory internship schemes which would serve to instill a work ethic value system amongst students whilst giving them invaluable exposure to the real world. (recommendation 12)

The Chamber encouraged the authorities to implement similar measures to further support employers in their need for scarce qualified personnel.