On Tuesday 17th December, the National Skills Council launched Malta’s National Career Guidance Network. This national initiative seeks to consolidate the efforts of key stakeholders, uniting them to provide a cohesive and inclusive career guidance service accessible to individuals of all ages. The network represents a significant step forward in enhancing career guidance in Malta, aiming to align the strengths and ambitions of individuals with the evolving needs of the labour market.
The National Career Guidance Network is underpinned by a committee composed of representatives from policy-making bodies, industry, higher education institutions, and government entities. This collaborative approach ensures that diverse perspectives inform the discussion and strategic direction of career guidance on a national scale. By fostering stronger connections between education and employment, the network aims to enhance labour market efficiency and contribute to Malta’s economic development.
As part of the launch event, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) presented key findings from its report, Teenage Career Development in Malta. This report, commissioned by Malta’s National Skills Council, marks one of the first major initiatives undertaken by the National Career Guidance Network. The study involves the analysis of data collected from OECD’s 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) findings and explores the state of career development among 15-year-olds in Malta.
The report provides data on young people’s engagement in, and perceptions of, career development, including information on occupational and educational intentions and participation in career development activities. Key insights from the report show how students in Malta who express an occupational expectation are very strongly focused in one field of employment: the professions. They also increasingly expect to complete tertiary education. However, the occupational expectations of young people are poorly aligned with actual patterns of labour market demand. The report also shows how students in Malta participate in career development activities and express attitudes about their career development in ways that are largely comparable to OECD averages. However, teenagers in Malta are less likely to engage directly with employers and people in work when compared with their OECD peers, losing out on important opportunities for career-related exploration. In comparison however to selected countries, students in Malta are more likely to engage in core guidance activities than peers in seven of nine jurisdictions.
This study provides valuable insights into young people’s career expectations and aspirations, allowing us to better align education and guidance systems with labour market needs. For a comprehensive understanding and detailed insights, you can access the full report on the OECD website: Teenage Career Development in Malta
The National Career Guidance Network sets the stage for a more informed, efficient, and inclusive approach to career development in Malta, fostering a future-ready workforce equipped to navigate the challenges of an evolving economy. For more information on the National Career Guidance Network, please contact the National Skills Council on info.nsc@gov.mt