Framework of Actions for the Lifelong Development of Competencies and Qualifications - Malta

Source: European Union

In March 2002, the European social partners adopted a framework of actions for the lifelong development of competences and qualifications, as a contribution to the implementation of the Lisbon strategy.

Actions taken at national level

With reference to the development of competencies and qualifications, the Maltese Government, by means of Legal Notice 215 of 2000 entitled; ‘Malta Professional and Vocational Qualifications Regulations, 2000’ set up a council namely; ‘Malta Professional Vocational Qualification Awards Council’ (MPVQAC). Section 4 of this Legal Notice enlists the aims and objectives of this council as being: 

• to establish and maintain a framework for the development, recognition and award of professional and vocational qualifications based on standards of knowledge, skill or competence to be acquired by learners; 
• to promote and facilitate life-long learning access, transfer and progression; 
• to foster the recognition abroad of professional and vocational certificates awarded in Malta under these regulations.’

The Legal Notice also includes a provision as to who is to be appointed member of this Council, which amongst others includes representatives; 

• from the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC), 
• from the Education Division, 
• from the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, 
• from the University of Malta, 
• from Employer Organisations, 
• from Trade Unions, 
• of Vocational Education

The MPVQAC, during the first two years of its existence, met regularly, prepared strategies and even explored the possibility of cooperation with other similar councils in the EU. In fact, a close relationship with the Scottish Qualifications Council was established.

Nevertheless, over the last two years, all the initiatives which had started off could not proceed further, due to the fact that no appropriate budget allocations were made by Government. The situation today is that the MPVQAC is in fact dormant as far as the employer and union members on council are aware.

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