Skills are central to Malta’s ambition to build a resilient, innovative and inclusive economy, capable of thriving in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world. Countries that invest in developing relevant skills, promote lifelong learning, and enable individuals to use their skills effectively in work and society are better positioned to achieve sustainable growth, higher productivity and improved well-being.
Malta has made significant progress in strengthening its skills system over the past decade. Educational attainment has increased, early school leaving has declined markedly, and participation in adult learning has reached EU-level targets. At the same time, strong labour market performance, characterised by high employment and robust demand for skills, reflects the country’s economic dynamism.
However, important challenges remain. A substantial share of adults continues to have low levels of basic skills, and learning outcomes among young people remain below the OECD average. Skills mismatches persist, while opportunities for upskilling and reskilling are not yet fully utilised. These challenges are further intensified by global megatrends – including digitalisation, the net-zero transition, and demographic change – which are reshaping skills needs and increasing the urgency of effective policy responses.
Against this backdrop, the development of a coherent and forward-looking National Skills Strategy represents a critical step for Malta. By bringing together policies across education, employment, and economic development, such a strategy can provide a shared vision, strengthen co‑ordination across stakeholders, and support evidence‑based decision making.
This report presents the results of the project “Shaping Malta’s future through a national skills strategy and targeted maritime sector measures” (24MT06), funded by the European Union through the Technical Support Instrument. It is led nationally by the National Skills Council in collaboration with Transport Malta, implemented by the OECD in co‑operation with the Reform and Investment Task Force (SG REFORM) of the European Commission and has been developed in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement and the Detailed Project Description (DPD).
The report offers a comprehensive assessment of Malta’s skills system and sets out 30 evidence‑based recommendations across key priority areas. The recommendations are grounded in robust analysis and extensive stakeholder engagement. They aim to support Malta in developing future‑ready skills for the digital and net-zero transitions, improving the alignment between skills supply and demand, and strengthening the inclusiveness and responsiveness of the skills system. The report also includes a detailed implementation plan and a monitoring and evaluation framework.
This report also presents a sectoral skills strategy. Developed in parallel to the National Skills Strategy, a Strategy and Skills Action Plan for Malta’s maritime sector demonstrates that the national skills framework can be applied at the sectoral level to generate concrete actions, and offers a potential model for other strategic sectors.
By advancing the skills agenda through this National Skills Strategy, Malta can further enhance its capacity to adapt to change, seize emerging opportunities and ensure that all individuals are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in work and life.
The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.