New skills strategy pushes training at work and lifelong learning

Learning in the workplace is one of the priorities listed in the new National Skills Strategy, which proposes considering amendments to the law to encourage training during working hours, training leave, and payback clauses.

“We firmly believe that skills development must also happen at the workplace. We aspire to transform organisations into learning workplaces where learning takes place and is an integrated element,” said Ruth DeBrincat, senior director within the National Skills Council.

She was giving an overview of the National Skills Strategy 2026–2035, which is open for public consultation until May 20.

The strategy lists a range of 30 policy recommendations driven by eight priority areas.

Among the recommendations is the development of a certificate recognising transversal skills, also known as soft skills, to strengthen workers’ employability. Transversal skills – some of the most in-demand skills according to the SME barometer – include critical thinking, communication, collaboration, digital literacy, and adaptability.

Measuring brain drain and assessing skills-needs

The strategy also recommends conducting a study on the causes, scale, and socio-economic impact of brain drain to inform policies for talent retention and attraction, as well as establishing the Malta Skills Observatory as a dedicated working group to oversee a coherent national approach to skills assessment and anticipation.

DeBrincat said that the process to draw up the strategy started in 2024 when the council secured funding from the European Commission. In-depth analysis of the local skill system was carried out with the support of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), and included consultation with over 80 stakeholders that involved government entities, social partners, educators and employers.

She said that at the heart of the strategy are three overarching objectives: preparing for the future, ensuring alignment, and inclusion by strengthening skills, including among underrepresented groups.

To make the strategy actionable, it is structured around eight priority areas (as shown in the image).

The eight priority areas listed in the National Skills Strategy.

These include: understanding Malta’s current and future skills needs; improving skills information and career guidance by making it accessible rather than fragmented or underused; empowering educators and school leaders for future-ready education; 

Equipping learners of all ages with skills for the future – particularly green, digital, and transversal skills; encouraging and incentivising lifelong learning; supporting employers to drive learning and growth by better supporting and incentivising workplace learning; maximising Malta’s talent by making better use of existing skills to improve productivity, support more strategic leadership thinking, recognise skills, and address challenges such as brain drain. 

Finally, the strategy calls for working together for a stronger skills system, focusing on coordination across a wide spectrum of stakeholders.

Chair of the National Skills Council, Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando. Photo: Jonathan Borg

Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, chair of the National Skills Council, said that the strategy was built on ownership by key stakeholders in the field.

“The pace of change is accelerating at previously unforeseeable levels… Reshaping jobs and skills-needs… This strategy responds to that reality,” he said, adding that the strategy supports learning at all stages and makes better use of the skills we have.

He said the strategy supports the long-term direction set out through the Malta Vision 2050.

Matthew Vella, Permanent Secretary within the Education Ministry, thanked all stakeholders for taking ownership of the strategy drafted to provide a clear vision.

“Through this strategy, we are continuously asking: how do we ensure that our learners are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow?” Vella said.

Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, said that education, training, and lifelong learning are central to the strategy.

“Today is not only about launching a strategy but about inviting the public to reflect on these points… Education has to be at the heart of the future,” he said, adding that the strategy ensures learning remains inclusive and relevant across all life stages – for everyone.