Internships, Traineeships and Apprenticeships in Malta

Internships and apprenticeships allow young people to gain skills and work experience while studying for a recognised qualification or after completing their studies.

Internships and/or apprenticeships are often offered for a limited period of time, during which the interns or apprentices divide their time between school and on-the-job training. In fact, internships/traineeships within education can be an optional or mandatory part of the curriculum of the graduation procedure.

An apprentice will typically have a contract with the company and will be compensated for his or her efforts. Such contract should entitle the intern and/or apprentice to be treated as an employee with the same rights and benefits of employees.

Contracts for internships/apprenticeships will also specify how and when the contract can be terminated. Such procedures must be followed by both the employer and the employee in order to avoid a breach of contract.

Locally, it is only persons who have attained school leaving age who are eligible to enrol for work placements, apprenticeships or internships.

Internships/traineeships in Malta must be notified to Jobsplus in accordance with the Jobsplus Internship/Traineeship Regulation. The regulation also holds that internships may range from just a few weeks up to a maximum duration of 12 months.

Similarly, the EU Parliament’s Charter on Internships and Apprenticeships establishes minimum standards to ensure that internships have educational value and do not replace regular jobs.