The scheme was launched under the Labour Conjoined Committee for Cottonera under the leadership of opposition leader Alfred Sant. Organiser David Caruana said that 32 youngsters from Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea were being taught three different skills. Training is being organised with the support of the Cottonera local councils.

During the first phase of the project, participants will learn upholstery skills at the Kalkara Day Centre. Computer courses will then be held at the Cospicua Girls Secondary School with the school administration providing support.

There will also be courses in table waiting which will also be held at the Kalkara Day Centre. The Springboard scheme, said the MLP, was a project for the communities of Cospicua in which it was being held.

Mr Caruana said the number of people participating in different courses varied, but great enthusiasm to be on board was evident. “Youngsters are grasping these opportunities being offered to them to improve their skills,” he said.