Malta to announce key findings from EU work-based learning research

Malta will shortly unveil the findings of an important EU-funded educational project aimed at strengthening the connection between education and employment. 

The Work-Based Learning (WBL) Champion Project, funded through Erasmus+, conducted a detailed study across Malta, Italy, Portugal and Ireland to understand how education pathways can better equip students with the practical skills employers need.

In a statement, the research group said the study shows that Malta benefits from a strong legal and strategic framework for work-based learning, underpinned by the Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship Act (2018) and the Malta Qualifications Framework. 

Leading educational institutions such as KNIGHTS College, EY Malta and JA Malta are already embedding WBL into their programmes, and stakeholders expressed high interest in participating in future initiatives.

However, the study also revealed challenges. 

Many academic programmes remain misaligned with labour market needs, stakeholder awareness of WBL policies is limited, employer participation, particularly from SMEs, is low, and the use of digital tools for placements and learning remains underdeveloped. 

“Malta has the right foundations for work-based learning, but there is more to be done to make it widely accessible and impactful,” said Morgan Parnis, CEO of KNIGHTS College.

“The findings we will soon be releasing give us clear guidance on how to improve employer engagement, digital readiness, and awareness of WBL opportunities, ensuring students gain meaningful experience before entering the workforce.”

From a European perspective, Assumpta Harvey, Head, School of Global Business at TU Dublin said: “This research provides valuable insight into how different countries are integrating work-based learning. By sharing best practices and lessons learned, we can support the development of scalable tools and frameworks that benefit students, employers, and educators across Europe.”

Offering a Maltese perspective, Kristina Galea Borg, Vice Chancellor at Knights College, claimed: “When a country has a skilled, adaptable and efficient workforce, businesses thrive and when academics and industry work hand in hand, the benefits expand beyond employment, driving productivity and strengthening the nation. At Knights College, we pioneered work-based learning in private higher education in Malta, and the results speak for themselves."

The WBL Champion project is now using these insights to develop a quality assurance framework, continuous professional development courses, and a digital platform to support work-based learning in Malta and beyond.

The project will continue to share results through its online portal, newsletters and upcoming events.

For more information and to download the full report, visit the WBL Champion website.