Definition of Target Group

The following target groups are related to courses organised by the directorate for Research, Lifelong Learning and Employability (DRLLE)

1. Persons over the age of 60 years in possession of a Senior Citizens Card (Kartanzjan);

2. Persons with very low literacy (English and Maltese) and numeracy;

3. Persons who have been declared to be financially disadvantaged; and

4. Irregular immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees identified after applying to a board set up specifically for exemption of fees for DRLLE adult courses.

The target groups mentioned below are related to courses and services provided by Jobsplus

1. Victims of trafficking;
2. Long-term unemployed;
3. Former substance abusers;
4. Former prison inmates;
5. Persons with intellectual difficulties;
6. Persons with physical/sensorial difficulties; and
7. Persons with mental health challenges.

Specific Support Measures

The Directorate for Research Lifelong Learning and Employability (DRLLE) offers free introductory literacy (English and Maltese) and numeracy courses to adult learners, while Senior Citizens Card (Kartanzjan) holders are entitled to one free course of their choice, every year.

The DRLLE has several inter-agency agreements to offer support measures to specific disadvantaged learners. These include agreements with:

1. The Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers (AWAS) which offers adult education courses especially in ICT, literacy and numeracy basic skills to asylum seekers resident in Malta. Qualified teachers offer the necessary linguistic and educational support for such learners to successfully embark on such courses;
2. The Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA) which offers adult education courses to disabled persons requiring the use of specific computer hardware and software to be able to engage in adult training courses;
3. The National Council for Women of Malta (NCW) which offers adult education courses mainly in ICT, literacy and numeracy basic skills to encourage illiterate or socially-excluded women to enter the labour market;
4. Paolo Freire Institute which offers literacy, numeracy and craft courses to persons with socio-economic disadvantages;
5. The Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) which runs a number of day centres for adults with intellectual disabilities and which offers courses focusing on life skills;
6. CARITAS, a non-government organisation offering courses in literacy, numeracy, philosophy, drama therapy and crafts in order to help rehabilitate illicit drug users residing in the organisation’s homes.

Furthermore, DRLLE enables adults with learning disabilities or mental health problems to receive the support of a non-paying trusted adult of their choice, generally a professional provided through a third-party service of which the learner avails themselves. Additionally, adult learners certified to require additional support are provided with a prompter, reader, extra time or a multiplication table during examinations, depending on their need.  

Jobsplus which is the National Public Employment Services Agency through its Inclusive Services Unit provides targeted measures to vulnerable groups in order to enhance further their prospects to enter the labour market and retain gainful employment

• Training Courses are provided free of charge by Jobsplus for the purpose of upskilling, reskilling and to enhance employability prospects
• Language Support through specialised courses for migrants facilitating a more holistic integration strategy. It includes the provision of tailor-made training such as courses in basic English/Maltese for employment to further assist migrants in entering gainful employment.
• Provision of Financial Support/Training Allowance
• Provision of specialist staff such as Job coaches, Occupational Therapists, Mentors and Learning Support Assistants.
• Liaison with NGO’s providing services to persons with disability including intellectual, psychological, mental and physical disabilities and employers
• Allocation of extra time during assessments, the use of computer for the written component, conducting written assessments orally
• Provision of specialised programmes including:

VASTE project which provides programmes preparing vulnerable individuals for employment. Clients are assigned to small groups with job coaches who focus on punctuality, work ethics, independent living, communication, and social skills.

The Head Start Programme which is provided in collaboration with Empower under the public social partnership Lino Spiteri Foundation. The scope is that of increasing work prospects within the labour market for people with registered disabilities by assisting them in enhancing their competences related to employment. It simulates a work setting and is structured in a manner that helps individuals to improve relationships and social skills, understand work-related skills and procedures and foster workplace ethics. Referrals for Head Start are done through the LSF Profiling and Guidance Executives.