Validate to Elevate: Empowering People with Job Standards and Skills Cards

The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), in collaboration with the National Skills Council (NSC) and with the support of the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), hosted a pivotal conference focusing on the role of National Occupational Standards (NOS) and Skills Cards in fostering a skilled and competent workforce.

Held on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, the conference formed part of the Encounter – MCAST Meets Industry initiative, supported by the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation. The high-level gathering brought together industry leaders, policymakers, educators, and students to discuss best practices, challenges, and innovations in skills validation and workforce development.

 

 

 

MCAST Principal and CEO, Mr Stephen Vella, emphasised the event’s significance, stating, “National Occupational Standards provide a framework for skills recognition, ensuring that individuals are equipped with industry-relevant competencies. This conference reinforces MCAST’s commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry. Ever since its establishment, MCAST has been consistent in ensuring that the courses are relevant to the world of work, giving opportunities to all learners regardless of their age or background.”

Dr Roseanne Cuschieri, CEO of MFHEA, highlighted the importance of recognising skills acquired through experience: “Validation of skills ensures that individuals are acknowledged for their competencies, regardless of how they were obtained. This is crucial in supporting lifelong learning and career mobility.”

The agenda explored sectoral experiences in Malta, addressing the practical application of NOS and Skills Cards across industries. Dr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, Executive Chairman of the National Skills Council, remarked, “All skills have value, whether acquired in formal, non-formal or informal education. The National Skills Council is committed to creating knowledge and recognising these skills so that every individual is given the right recognition. Validation of non-formal and informal learning (VNFIL) is essential to create a more inclusive and competitive workforce.”

In closing the first part of the conference, Mr Horace Laudi, President of the Board of Governors at MCAST, added: “Collaboration between education and industry is the key to economic growth and innovation. This conference is a step towards ensuring that skills validation remains at the forefront of national development.” He emphasised the importance of creating a lifelong learning culture where learners value reskilling and upskilling while having their skills recognised.

The event featured expert panels, roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities to strengthen collaboration between education and industry. Attendees gained insights from international experiences, including an in-depth look at the Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning (VNFIL) within the National Qualifications System in Portugal – a presentation by Maria João Alves, Head of Unit National Agency for Qualifications and Vocational Education and Training in Portugal.

 

The conference also provided a platform for student engagement. Matthew Sant, President of Kunsill Studenti MCAST (KSM), and fellow students presented the findings of a survey on student skills recognition. Their participation focused on the role of education in shaping future employment pathways.

Key stakeholders, including Jobsplus, the Institute of Tourism Studies, the Foundation for Human Resources Development (FHRD), the Business and Construction Authority (BCA), Malta Employers association, the Central Bank of Malta, EMCs and others, contributed to panel discussions, sharing sector-specific insights and best practices in workforce development and skills recognition.