Considering Hiring Students or Interns with Your Organisation?  

• Work Placements: These are often part of educational programs and provide students with short-term, practical experiences that directly relate to what they are studying. 
• Traineeships: These are a bit more formal. They combine hands-on work experience with classroom education, especially in vocational or technical areas. 
• Internships: These are structured opportunities created by employers. They are designed to give students or recent grads a deep dive into a professional environment, helping them develop skills and make industry connections. 
• Apprenticeships: Famous in the skilled trades, apprenticeships are a comprehensive, longer-term option. They mix practical work experience with classroom learning and often lead to recognised qualifications. 

Each avenue serves as a vital conduit for individuals to gain real-world experience and refine their skills in preparation for their chosen careers. 

About Your Responsibilities

When you bring an intern into your organisation, it is important to understand what this entails and what you need to submit to Jobsplus. 

The terms “work placement”, “traineeship”, “internship” and “apprenticeship” have specific meanings, but their use can sometimes overlap. It is key to consider the context of your industry and the local laws in Malta when you are dealing with these roles.  

Also, remember that the way these programs are run can change over time. It is advisable to check for the most up-to-date definitions and practices in Malta. 

Who is eligible?

In Malta, individuals who are at least 16 years old and have finished their last year of secondary school, as required by the Education Act, are eligible for work placements, traineeships, internships and apprenticeships. This aligns with the standards set by the Education Act. 

What are the Registration Requirements?

Under the Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship Act, roles like work placements, traineeships, internships, and apprenticeships are considered formal employment relationships. So, if your organisation is hosting any of these, you have specific responsibilities: 

Engagement and Termination Forms: For each person you bring on board in these roles, you need to submit engagement and termination forms online through the Jobsplus website portal. If you already have an account, you can easily Sign-In and submit these forms through the Jobsplus website's employer online service. This is an essential step to ensure everything is above board and compliant. 

Extra Step for Third Country Nationals (TCN): If you are hosting a TCN intern, apprentice or trainee, there is an additional requirement. You will need to apply for an Employment Licence (essentially a work permit) from Jobsplus for them. This is crucial for ensuring that their employment is legal and regulated. You can find the necessary application form here. 

Check further information on registrations based on employee’s nationality and status here.