The Institute of Tourism Studies in collaboration with the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC), is offering the following Apprenticeship programme of studies within the Extended Skill Training Scheme (ESTS):

• Food Preparation and Service (Journeyman's Certificate at Craftsman Level)

Course Content and Duration

These apprenticeship programmes of study offer students the possibility to gain a vocational qualification in Food Preparation and Service and are designed to equip them with multiple skills for entry into the hospitality and catering industry.

These courses will help and develop social skills and personal qualities for all aspects of a successful working life.

These Certificate courses run over four (4) semesters comprising of theoretical and practical exposure at the Institute and practice in the industry as follows:

First Semester (October 2006 to January 2007)

Full-time at the Institute of Tourism Studies

Second Semester (February 2007 to June 2007)

Two (2) days at the Institute of Tourism Studies and three (3) days monitored work exposure.

Local Industrial Trade Practice (LITP)
(July 2007 -September 2007)

During the summer, apprentices are to work a 40-hour week in industry. This 40-hour week may be spread over a period of 5 days (Monday to Sunday).

Apprentices without a sponsor will not receive any payment from the Education Division during the summer months.

Third Semester
(October 2007 to January 2008)
One (1) day at Institute of Tourism Studies and four (4) days monitored work exposure.

Fourth Semester
(February 2008 to mid-June 2008)
One (1) day at Institute of Tourism Studies and four (4) days monitored work exposure.

Certification

Those who complete the two-year apprenticeship will be eligible for a Trade Test. If successful they will be awarded the Journeyman's Certificate at Craftsman Level in the trade.

Entry Criteria

Students must be in possession of a School Leaving Certificate at Form V level. Preference will be given to students in possession of an 'O' level pass in Home Economics.

Minimum Age

The minimum age for applications for the EXTENDED SKILL TRAINING SCHEME is sixteen years (16) of age as on the 31st December, 2006.

General Provisions

a)  Apprentices must follow the time-tables set out by the Institute of Tourism Studies and will be required to attend morning, afternoon and/or evening sessions. They may also be required to attend sessions after normal hours, on public holidays and at weekends if necessary.

b)  The languages of tuition at the Institute of Tourism Studies are English and Maltese.

c)  The final decision of acceptance to the Institute of Tourism Studies will be on the basis of the personal profile and aptitude test.

d)  Successful applicants who come into contact with food will be required to successfully complete a Food Handlers course in accordance with current Health & Hygiene.

e)  Regulations prior to the commencement of the course.

f)  Apprentices shall be subjected to a medical examination to certify their suitability to join an ESTS Hospitality Trades of studies at the Institute of Tourism Studies.

g)  The Institute reserves the right to determine the number of new entrants in relation to the availability of resources and the standard of applicants.

Student Profiling & Selection Process

Applicants having the necessary entry level qualifications will be interviewed and assessed on their language and numeracy skills, and aptitude for a career in the Hospitality and Tourism industry.

Applicants may be refused entry to the ESTS (Hospitality Trades) programmes if found to be unsuitable at any stage of the selection process.

Applicants will be accepted according to the order of merit drawn up by the Selection Board, the decision of which shall be final.

Remuneration

First Year of Apprenticeship

Lm 140 Grant on joining the Scheme (payable towards the end of November). This grant is paid by means of a swipe card and is to be utilized for the purchase of items related to the programme of studies. Lm40 per month from October to June, Lm100 per month from July to September (LITP) provided the apprentice has an approved sponsor.

During LITP period apprentices are entitled to two (2) days vacation leave per month.

Second Year of Apprenticeship

Lm40 monthly paid by the Education Division between October and June of the second year. Lm20.50c per week paid by Sponsor throughout the same period. Half the annual statutory bonuses (i.e. June and December) or pro-rata thereof.

Apprentices are entitled to two (2) days leave for every twenty (20) days at place of work plus Public Holidays. During this year, apprentices are also entitled to fifteen (15) days sick leave on full pay and fifteen (15) days sick leave on half pay.

The National Insurance Contribution (N.I.) is to be paid by both the apprentice and the sponsor during the third and fourth semesters.

Conduct

All registered apprentices shall be subject to the Rules and Regulations and Appendix of the Institute of Tourism Studies.