The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) hosted the New Skills for Jobs in the Making – Hack for Skills! Hackathon initiative closing event on campus in Paola.

Forty young people, twenty in Malta and twenty in Cyprus, competed to create the most innovative solutions for skills development over the next decade. Participants grappled with ideas needed in upskilling and reskilling according to industry needs and how learning institutions can meet the challenges of skills needs in the age of artificial intelligence.

The Maltese team included students and MCAST alumni from various disciplines spanning ICT, creative arts, applied sciences, and engineering. During the hackathon’s closing event, Cypriot teams joined the Maltese teams at the College, and all these teams presented their ideas in front of a selection committee. The hard work and dedication shown by all teams was evident for all to see, during the presentations.

A panel discussion focused on the sharing of good practices and identification of possible project and policy ideas was organized during the event. Moreover, the importance of the Erasmus + Programme and its importance to lifelong learning was highlighted.

During her address, MCAST Deputy Principal for Research and Innovation Dr Tatjana Chircop explained, “At MCAST, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaborative learning. It’s gratifying to witness students from different courses coming together on significant projects, embodying our philosophy of collective learning. This dedication to collaboration is pivotal in preparing students for the new skill demands of the future.”

Prizes were awarded to the top 3 teams from both countries, namely:

• 1st Team 2 CY – presentation by Anastasia Kremmastou, Loukia Chrysostomou, Maria Christou, and Christoforos Christodoulou with the project idea, ‘Levsil’.
• 2nd Team 1 CY – presentation by Evie Chapeshi, Nikolas Kyriakou, Anna Maria Demetriou, Charalampos Milas, and Rafail Aletras with the project idea ‘Skilzard’.
• 3rd Team 4 MT – presentation by Luigi Sghendo, Matthew Scerri Simiana, and Mariana Mifsud with the project idea, ‘Scanning the future’.

All teams received certificates of participation.

Senior Officer, for the Research and Planning Directorate, at the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus Ms Constantina Kyriacou Liveri, said, “Basic skills are continuously changing due to the rapid development in the global economy. Investment in passing to young students the job skills needed is therefore highly essential. More and more employers are looking for horizontal skills, such as leadership, creativity, teamwork, and analytical skills. This hackathon provided students the opportunity to develop these kinds of skills which are essential in the labor market. Participant students in this hackathon are all winners.”

West Regional Council Malta President Mr Sandro Azzopardi said, “The Western Regional Council collaborates closely with all represented Local Councils, advocating for and supporting upskilling and reskilling initiatives. We recognize the critical role of continuous learning in shaping the future of work. Our active participation in the European Year of Skills underlines our commitment to enhancing skills development in our region and beyond.”

National Skills Council Strategy Director Mr Clayton Cutajar emphasized the importance, “of lifelong learning, which is something that in today’s fast-changing economy is a must. In today’s rapidly evolving world, lifelong learning has become a necessity, not just a choice. Keeping pace with the swift advancements in technology and industry requires an unwavering commitment to continuous education. Upskilling and reskilling are key to harnessing the opportunities of our fast-paced environment, driving innovation and growth.”

The Hack for Skills Hackathon event proved to be a unique educational experience for young people, serving as a learning platform, and one where teamwork and collaboration were instrumental.

Mayor of the Municipality of Larnaca and President of the Union of Municipalities of Cyprus Mr Andreas Vyras highlighted the importance of adapting to green and digital transitions, “Lifelong learning is the cornerstone for skill development, especially in the face of the ongoing green and digital transitions. The ‘Hack for Skills’ initiative brilliantly exemplifies this, bridging the gap between youth and the labor market, and bringing them closer to the evolving dynamics of Europe.”

The initiative “New Skills for Jobs in the Making – Hack for Skills!” was organised by the Foundation for the Management of European Lifelong Learning Programmes in collaboration with the Union of Municipalities of Cyprus, the Cyprus Human Resources Development Authority, and corresponding Maltese organizations namely, the Western Regional Council, National Skills Council, and the European Union Programmes Agency with the support of the Center for Social Innovation (CSI), in the context of the European Year of Skills.