The National Skills Council organised its second workshop which is leading up to the creation of the National Skills Strategy.

This event was organised in collaboration with Transport Malta following the first workshop conducted last September.

This event brought together government representatives, industry partners, and key stakeholders to collectively refine action areas that will form Malta's first National Skills Strategy.

The workshop aimed to further develop and enhance the drafting of action areas to modernize skills, while presenting international best practices relevant to the needs of the Maltese workforce, and seeking solutions to skills gaps. A specific focus was given towards discussing these themes with respect to the maritime sector, a government statement read.

The workshop, the government said, focused on eight priority areas that are fundamental to skills' evolution across the Maltese islands: honing skills intelligence and improving career guidance, preparing young people for the jobs of the future, expanding upon lifelong learning, further incentivising adult learning, strengthening employer-led training, utilising local and international talent, and improving governance.

The Minister for Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima, said that the government is committed to improving the synergy between industries and the education sector, together with the National Skills Council.

He also stated that while "economic competitiveness is crucial, the education sector serves a wider purpose" and that "our policies must foster transversal skills that define Malta's future."

The Chief Executive of the National Skills Council, Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing Malta's skills gaps and ensuring a future-ready workforce.

"This is not just a consultation workshop; we are working together on a comprehensive vision for Malta's skills ecosystem," he said.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) played a central role in providing guidance and expertise, as well as in ensuring that all discussions were aligned with global best practices and effective policy frameworks, the government said. The OECD's contributions was said to be beneficial to developing the foundations of the National Skills Strategy on proven methodologies and international benchmarks.