Marios Mavrides, a member of the Cyprus parliament from the DISY party, is advocating for the expansion of the apprenticeship initiative across all sectors of the economy. Mavrides' proposal has been scheduled for discussion in the Parliamentary Labor Committee today.

In essence, Mavrides' recommendation focuses on facilitating student employment in companies, where in addition to paying a salary, these firms would also cover the students' university tuition fees.

As highlighted by Mavrides to Brief, some Cypriot companies already offer such programs, albeit on a smaller scale compared to nations like the USA and the UK. He emphasized the need to explore ways to expand this beneficial practice in Cyprus.

This push for greater inclusion of the apprenticeship model is the reason Mavrides introduced the topic for debate in the parliament. The goal is to identify incentives and potential state assistance for private companies willing to adopt this apprenticeship model.

Mavrides pointed out the twofold advantage of bolstering this initiative: it provides employment opportunities for students and aids in defraying tuition costs. Moreover, upon completing their studies, graduates would be poised to continue working in areas where they've already gained valuable experience and knowledge from their university education.

Apprenticeships are structured training programs that combine on-the-job learning with classroom instruction, offering individuals the chance to earn while they learn. Essentially, they are partnerships: employers take on apprentices to provide practical job-based experiences, while training providers, often educational institutions, deliver the theoretical components.

The primary allure of an apprenticeship is its hands-on approach. Apprentices receive direct exposure to skilled professionals in their chosen field and gain practical skills that are immediately applicable to their job roles. As a result, they are well-equipped to transition seamlessly into full-time positions upon completion.

The duration of an apprenticeship can vary based on the industry and country, ranging from one to five years or more. Throughout this period, apprentices earn a wage, which typically increases as they progress and master more skills.

In many countries, a formalized end-of-program assessment or a certification process ensures the apprentice has met all requisite competencies. As a vital bridge between formal education and the workplace, apprenticeships have gained recognition globally for their ability to provide job-ready skills, reduce youth unemployment, and address skills gaps in various industries.

However, like any system, apprenticeships are not without potential pitfalls. For the apprentice, there's the risk of low initial wages compared to full-time employees, which can be challenging for those managing living expenses. Additionally, there's no guaranteed permanent employment after the apprenticeship ends. For businesses, the investment in time and resources for training can be substantial, and there's always the risk that an apprentice may choose to move on after gaining valuable skills and experience, leading to a loss on that investment. Furthermore, the quality and relevance of apprenticeships can vary, and if not well-designed, they may not provide the skills truly needed in the job market.