The Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA), in collaboration with the Parliamentary Secretariat for Competitiveness and Economic Growth, launched the Student Placement Programme (SPP) for 2013 in early June 2013. Through this programme, young full-time ICT students are given the opportunity of a temporary work exposure with various private employers and public sector entities during the summer months. The interest expressed by eligible students and employers towards this year’s programme was outstanding.  A record number of applications were received both from students as well as employers. In total, MITA received 661 student applications.  The minimum criteria for students to be eligible included those awaiting the results of their Level 4 (according to the Malta Qualifications Framework) ICT qualification (i.e. A-Level) or Diploma.  The total eligible applicants amounted to 588, majority of which being candidates studying for their vocational ICT diploma. Over the past months, MITA conducted awareness-raising sessions amongst employers and promoted with them the Programme’s benefits.  The students do not typically replace full-time personnel, but shadow the employers’ professionals and contribute knowledge and assistance.  The employers also have the opportunity to target their potential future recruits and influence the student’s future choices in terms of studies and specialisations thus moulding tomorrow’s practitioners. Government is providing financial support to the employers by co-financing half of the salary costs for private sector employers and covering all the salary costs for the public sector entities. This promotion exercise with employers was successful, with 61 private sector employers expressing interest and 21 public sector entities confirming their willingness to host summer students.  In total the number of placements available for students is of 307. During the past weeks, MITA has concluded the process of matching the students’ skills-set and strengths (as submitted by the students themselves) to the requirements of the participating employers.  Following the mapping exercise, the students’ details together with their CVs have been forwarded to the respective employers.  Each employer has received a selection of students matching their requirements from which they will be  able to select. Students will start their attachment as early in July as possible, with the exact date being decided by the respective employer. The placement will run until end of September. The remuneration rate for students is that of €5.51 per hour, for a working week of 30 hours.  Students are entitled to pro-rata Vacation Leave and Sick Leave and the pro-rata government bonus.