Developing a skills strategy for Malta and its maritime sector

Through the Commission and this TSI project, Malta is seeking support to develop a national skills strategy, building upon existing efforts to improve skills policy. In parallel, Malta is seeking support to assess and address the specific skills gaps in its maritime sector. In doing this, Malta intends to engage multiple government entities and stakeholders to build a shared commitment to implement the related action plans. As a result, Malta’s competitiveness should be strengthened.

Context

Malta's green transition, digital transformation, and ageing population necessitate a strategic approach to skills policy. The country faces persistent labour and skills shortages and a high share of adults with low levels of skills. These challenges are particularly critical for Malta’s large maritime sector – a key focus of its smart specialisation strategy. It is therefore crucial that Malta develops its capacity to provide, attract and retain appropriate skills to raise its economy’s competitiveness. Despite efforts to address these issues, a more comprehensive approach to strengthening the skills system is needed. Developing a national skills strategy and action plan, with targeted measures to close skills gaps in the maritime sector, is a top priority, supported by political commitments.

Support delivered

Through this TSI project, Malta will be provided with an assessment of its skills systems based on EU good practice. Several rounds of stakeholder consultations will help achieve consensus on recommended actions and foster a shared commitment to implementation. The project will provide Malta with a National Skills Strategy report with policy recommendations, a skills gap analysis and needs assessment report for Malta's maritime sector, two action plans for implementing Malta's National Skills Strategy and for reforming Malta's maritime skills provision and related communication actions. By using the maritime sector as a pilot, the project will test a new approach, where reforms are guided by a bottom-up assessment of sector-specific needs. The Project is expected to last 24 months  from 2024 to 2026.

Results achieved

As an outcome of the TSI project, Maltese authorities are expected to know how to implement and adapt their strategy for skills, in line with the EU policy agenda and funding for skills.

In the long run, one can expect an increase in the share of workers participating in training, in the general economy and in the maritime sector, and a parallel decrease in labour market tightness, as measured by the number of vacant positions per job seeker. The supported reform will have ensured that Malta has the blue skills needed for the maritime sector. More generally, Malta will have developed the skills needed for a more competitive and sustainable economy facilitating the green and digital transitions. 

Useful links

• Developing a Skills Strategy for Malta and its Maritime Sector