Malta has officially launched its National Skills Strategy 2026–2035, for public consultation, a major step in strengthening the country’s skills ecosystem and preparing its workforce for the challenges of the coming decade. The Strategy, developed by the National Skills Council (NSC) with support from the OECD and funded by the European Commission’s Technical Support Instrument, sets out 30 evidence-informed recommendations designed to equip workers with the skills needed in an era of digital transformation, the net-zero transition, and demographic changes.
Developed through extensive analysis and consultations with more than 65 stakeholders across government, education, industry and civil society, the draft Strategy identifies eight priority topics that address skills intelligence, skills development across the life course, skills use in the workplace, and stronger coordination across the skills system.
The launch event brought together representatives from government, industry, education, civil society, and social partners. Speaking at the launch, Minister for Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation, Hon. Clifton Grima, said that the Strategy places learning at the heart of Malta’s future.
“This National Skills Strategy is not simply a policy document. It is an invitation to the public to reflect on how we learn, how we adapt, and how we prepare for the future. Education and lifelong learning are the foundations that equip people with confidence, resilience, and opportunity. By opening this Strategy for public consultation, we are asking individuals, employers, and communities to help shape a skills system that supports innovation, competitiveness, and social wellbeing.”
Dr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, Executive Chairman of the National Skills Council, emphasised the importance of shared responsibility and continuous engagement.
“This draft Strategy is the result of extensive evidence, dialogue, and partnership, but it is not the end of the process. It is a living framework that must evolve alongside Malta’s economy and workforce. By opening it to public consultation, we are inviting wider ownership and collective responsibility. Building a strong skills system requires the engagement of everyone who works, teaches, learns, and invests within it.”
The public consultation will remain open until 4 March 2026. It invites feedback from individuals, employers, training providers, and social partners. Feedback received will be reviewed and incorporated as the Strategy and its accompanying Action Plan are finalised, ensuring the views of stakeholders across Malta are reflected, supporting a skills system that is strong, inclusive, and future-ready. The Strategy and its accompanying Action Plan are planned to launch later this year.
The draft Strategy, consultation details, and an overview of the priority topics are available at: https://nscmalta.gov.mt/national-skills-strategy
