Scheme Benefits

At the heart of the A2E Scheme is our commitment to creating stronger social fabrics through employment. Co-funded by the ESF+ and Malta's Government, this initiative is your stepping stone to a fulfilling career, offering a welcoming hand to those who have felt distanced from the job market. Our aim? To create a workforce as diverse as our community, while equipping you with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive.

The scheme will be:

• Offering multiple opportunities to access the labour market and providing work experience to those furthest away from gainful occupation.
• Bridging the gap between labour market supply and demand.
• Increasing social cohesion.

The A2E scheme is a cornerstone of Malta’s Operational Programme for 2021-2027. It embodies our commitment to fostering socio-economic well-being through inclusive opportunities and skill development for all.

The scheme benefits both the employer and prospective employee. The employer receives financial assistance, while the prospective employee gets an opportunity in finding suitable employment. 

1. Financial Support Call 1 (Closing 31st December 2023): This scheme creates a win-win situation. Employers benefit from financial assistance, receiving a subsidy of €110.93 (full-time)/€55.47 (part-time) per week for each new recruit for up to 52 or 104 weeks, depending on the target group. For registered persons with a disability, an enhanced subsidy of €166.40 (full-time) / €83.20 (part-time) per week is available for up to 156 weeks. These rates will be reviewed annually to reflect cost-of-living adjustments.
2. Financial Support Call 2 (Starting 1st January 2024): This scheme creates a win-win situation. Employers benefit from financial assistance, receiving a subsidy of €186.00 (full-time)/€93.00 (part-time) per week for each new recruit for up to 52 or 104 weeks, depending on the target group. For registered persons with a disability, an enhanced subsidy of €278.00 (full-time) / €139.00 (part-time) per week is available for up to 156 weeks. These rates will be reviewed annually to reflect cost-of-living adjustments.
3. Working Opportunities: The A2E provides invaluable work experience for individuals who are most distanced from gainful employment, opening doors to new career paths and possibilities.
4. Increase Workforce: By supporting employers to expand their teams, this scheme contributes to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Employers are encouraged to hire from various sectors of society, enriching their workforce with a range of perspectives and experiences.

 Are you navigating through employment challenges, or know someone who is? Our scheme focuses on individuals from various walks of life, including those who have been away from work for a while, or those with special abilities, ensuring everyone has an equal shot at success. 

To qualify for funding, applications must meet all these criteria: 

• Submission of complete documentation. 
• Recruitment of a new employee. 
• Demonstration of the incentive effect. 
• Implementation of the project within or for the direct benefit of the eligible territory. 
• Financial soundness of the undertaking. 
• No exclusion situations applicable. 
• Alignment of the selected operation with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). 

Eligibility Criteria

• Individuals aged 24 and over, unemployed or inactive for the last 6 months. 

• Unemployed individuals aged 15 to 24 who have completed any Jobsplus Scheme and are recruited for the first time post-completion. 

• Single adults with dependents, not in full-time employment. 

• Individuals aged 24 and over without an upper secondary educational or vocational qualification (ISCED 3), who are unemployed. 

• Unemployed individuals over 50 years old. 

• Those unemployed or inactive for the last 12 months and belonging to disadvantaged groups (criteria 3 to 5).

• Individuals aged 24 and over, unemployed or inactive for the last 24 months. 

• Registered disabled persons under national law

Scheme Documentation

A2E Application Stage Documentation 

• A2E Guidance Notes Call 1 (From January 2023 until December 2023)
• A2E Guidance Notes Call 2 (From January 2024 onwards)
• A2E Application Form
  • Download a copy of the Data Processing Policy
    • Employers
    • Prospective Participant / Employee
• Definitions of Undertaking and Undertaking in Difficulty

A2E Grant Stage Documentation 

• Financial Identification Form – EU Funds
• Statement by the Employer – DIER

A2E Reimbursement Stage Documentation 

• A2E 2021-2027 Claim for Reimbursement Form
• A2E 2021-2027 Claim for Reimbursement Form (Final Payment)

Other Forms

• Declaration – Bona Fide Estimate (Company / Joint Venture)
• Declaration – Bona Fide Estimate (Self-Employed)
• A2E Delegation of Authority Form
• A2E Change in Project Leader Form 

Documentation Checklist

• Documentation Checklist for Entities and Participants / Employees

Circulars

• A2E Scheme Circular 01/2023

FAQ's

• A2E Scheme FAQ’s

Anti-Fraud Strategy 

• Anti-Fraud Strategy v1.3 

List of Beneficiaries

• List of Beneficiaries