Employers' association project aims to map future skills needs
Many employers are struggling to find qualified workers, Malta Employers says
Malta Employers has launched a new EU-funded initiative aimed at helping businesses better identify the skills they need as industries evolve.
The project, called TalentSync, seeks to strengthen the link between workforce skills and industry requirements at a time when many employers are struggling to find workers with the right expertise.
The initiative will analyse skills development needs across three sectors in three countries: the aviation industry in Malta, the food innovation sector in Ireland and the tourism industry in the Netherlands.
Using and refining a methodology previously applied by the National Skills Council in a pilot project focused on Malta’s maritime industry, TalentSync will produce sector-specific reports identifying both current and future skills requirements.
These findings are intended to support more effective workforce planning, as well as inform education strategies and training initiatives.
Malta Employers said the project would also create opportunities for collaboration between businesses across participating countries. Through two study visits and a series of online workshops, employers will be able to exchange experiences with counterparts in Ireland and the Netherlands and learn about different approaches to workforce development.
Speaking at the launch, Malta Employers' president Ivan Refalo said the initiative was necessary to sustain Malta’s economic growth.
“Our economy has grown rapidly. Sustaining that growth requires us to ensure that people have the right skills for the jobs of tomorrow,” he said.
“Malta has set ambitious targets through its Vision 2050. However, such goals cannot be reached without a stronger alignment between industry, education and policymakers in terms of human resource development. This project aims to bring all stakeholders to better anticipate and better manage future labour market needs.”
Malta Employers EU Helpdesk coordinator and project lead Kurt Cortis said the initiative would provide practical insights for employers.
“TalentSync will provide stakeholders a clearer insight into the specific sectors. More importantly, in the longer term, it will equip Malta Employers with a template to study the needs of other industries in the years ahead,” he said.
“This knowledge can help businesses plan recruitment, training and development more effectively, while also supporting workers in preparing for future opportunities.”
TalentSync is funded under the Erasmus+ programme and aims to develop a refined methodology for analysing skills needs that can be applied across multiple sectors and countries.
The launch event was also addressed by European Funds Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi and National Skills Council executive chairperson Jeffrey Pullicino-Orlando.