VET conference attracts more educators, trainers than employers
This conference, organised by FHRD in partnership with MCAST, the ITS and the ETC, hosting a panel of representatives from the MHRA, MTA, HCIMA, FOI, GWU and MEA, called on all employers to voice any issues they might encounter, especially during their recruitment process, on the shortage of skills they require for their industry.
The conference was officially opened by Education Minister Louis Galea, who stated that today's education system has to find the courage to redesign itself to provide more practical (learning by doing) learning experiences from early stages. Education systems that transmit mostly "the knowing" are not what society needs.
He referred to the faculty of medicine, where doctors strike an excellent balance between academia and practice, and that of the ITS, where students get a lot of hands-on experience during their years at the institute.
Dr Galea remarked that the conference was poorly attended by employers and this could mean that the employers are too focused on their routine tasks, perhaps not appreciating enough their contribution towards training and human resource development.
The minister's address was followed by presentations from representatives of the ETC, MCAST and ITS. The three representatives of the main vocational training institutions in Malta presented the audience with the programmes, schemes and initiatives that they are currently undertaking to satisfy the needs of employers in terms of skills needs of the workforce.
The information session was followed by a number of interesting interventions from the floor by representatives from the various institutions and associations. The results showed that the people in the tourism industry, including the spheres of drama, sports, entertainment and others, require fundamental skills, especially on cultural diversity. The passion that staff should show at their work vis-à-vis their guests is also lacking.
Another problem highlighted was related to the foreign labour that the construction industry is obliged to engage due to the shortage of skilled labour by employers operating in the sector. Even this 'temporary' solution is yielding its problems, as foreign workers, like the few Maltese working in the field, are not necessarily adaptable and knowledgeable on construction jobs.
The ETC representative retaliated that the problem is not always attributed to skills shortages, but at times is the result of poor conditions of work, that make the occupation less lucrative. The conference was concluded by Professor Alfred Vella, Pro-Rector, University of Malta. In his speech Professor Vella stated that the University produces 'products' not immediately used on the labour market. Nevertheless if it had to lack the linkages with other educational institutions and the world of work, the 400 years of education could become almost irrelevant.
Professor Vella touched on the various degrees and explained what is being done so that the University of Malta together with those in the European Union adapt a common model. He confirmed that the door to enter University through MATSEC is not easy. The aim for such rigorous standard is to sustain the quality of students.
Those students who do not pass their MATSEC and opt to go to MCAST or other educational institutions can continue forming and developing, and when they are ready and have reached a level where their aspirations change, they can always catch up with University. In his conclusion, Professor Vella appealed to employers to approach University with their needs.
In January 2007, FHRD shall set up an HR sectoral forum and will invite all key players to sit down with employers and discuss further the issue of shortage of skills gap. | 
