Overview

Across Malta’s economy, many skills are developed through work and real-life experience beyond formal education. Ensuring these skills are recognised in a consistent and credible way is essential for a well-functioning skills system.

The Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning (VNFIL)  focuses on strengthening how this recognition takes place, by improving the structures, standards, and coordination that underpin the system.

While validation processes already exist, this work is about making the system more coherent, robust, and aligned with labour market needs.

For an overview of what VNFIL is and how individuals can apply, read more here.

National Skills Council’s role

The National Skills Council assumed the policy role in the Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning Regulations on 1st January 2026, marking an important step in promoting lifelong learning and enhancing labour mobility. The framework enables individuals to obtain formal recognition of skills gained through non-formal and informal channels, such as through experience, thereby addressing the growing demand for qualified workers.

Within this project, NSC’s role is to strengthen the system at a structural level by:

• Setting national direction and policy for VNFIL
• Supporting the development and maintenance of National Occupational Standards (NOS)
• Ensuring better alignment between skills recognition, education, and labour market needs
• Establishing coordination structures across sectors

This work complements the role of the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority, which remains responsible for the licensing and quality assurance of Validation Assessment Centres (VACs).

A multi-phase project

This is a multi-phase project focused on strengthening the foundations of VNFIL in Malta.

Current work is centred on:

• Establishing the Sector Skills Committee (SSC)
• Setting up Sector Skills Units (SSUs) across priority sectors
• Reviewing and updating existing National Occupational Standards (NOS)
• Identifying gaps where new standards are required

Together, these elements form the backbone of a system that ensures fair, reliable, and labour market–relevant skills recognition.

Why does this matter

Skills gained outside formal education are a significant part of Malta’s workforce reality.

A stronger VNFIL system will:

• Improve consistency and trust in how skills are recognised
• Support mobility and progression for workers
• Help employers better understand and value competencies
• Contribute to a more responsive skills system overall

Next steps

The NSC is currently focusing on:

• Operationalising the Sector Skills Committee and Units in priority sectors
• Advancing the development of National Occupational Standards
• Strengthening collaboration with sector stakeholders
• Supporting the continued evolution of the VNFIL framework