National Strategic Reference Framework

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MALTA – National Strategic Reference Framework 2007-2013 Draft Document for Consultation the tertiary sector to accommodate the increase of 48.4 per cent between 2000 and 2004 in the university student population. 22 To enhance the quality of educational experience, Government has embarked on a wideranging education reform process. During the past decade, emphasis has been placed on subjects as the national curriculum, school development plans, inclusion, literacy programmes, ICT diffusion, quality assurance and accountability as a driver for education improvement. Government has established a National Commission for Higher education as an advisory commission for the development and transformation of the post-secondary and tertiary sectors. The Malta Qualifications Council (MQC) has been established to ensure that formal, informal and non formal qualifications are accredited and certified. Investment in the education sector is being undertaken to overcome a number of challenges. For example, Malta has a high rate of persons without a higher level of education (51.0 per cent of 20-24 year in 2004), a high rate of early school leavers and low rates of participation in life-long learning. 23 Currently there are few pathways for the flexible development between VET and non-VET streams. The national employment and training service offers a wide range of training courses for skill development. Public service administrative capacity is vital for national economic competitiveness. Over the years, Malta’s Public Service has proven its ability to implement government programmes, to deliver services adequately, and to provide continuity during changes of government. The Public Service underwent extensive reforms during the 1990s and subsequently with a view to modernizing career structures and upgrading staff skills in order to render the service more productive and cost-effective. Major investments were also made in the utilization of information technology in public administration. In the years running up to EU Accession, Government has increased investment in its human resources through national budget which was complemented by a number of programmes under the EU pre-accession funds and later the Transition Facility (2004-2006). The investment focuses on strengthening the country’s administrative capacity to implement EU legislation and foster exchange of best practice. 2.5.1 Challenges It is Government’s intention to maintain a steady pace of reform in education so as to further increase existing participation rates in further and higher education in an inclusive manner in line with the nations socio-economic development. The Government will take measures to increase inclusive education and training policies aimed at reducing illiteracy and the number of early school leavers; ensure that education and training pathways are attractive and flexible; continue and strengthen current ICT programmes and promote elearning; expand science and technology education; respond (in a timely manner) to 22 Approximately 42.0 per cent of the University student population were pursuing social studies, business and law courses. 23 School leaver rate was 42.6 per cent (Source: National Reform Programme October 2005). One should note the difference in measuring school leaving age, which is 16 in Malta and 18 for Eurostat calculation purposes.
MALTA – National Strategic Reference Framework 2007-2013 Draft Document for Consultation new occupational needs, key competences and future skills requirements; promote new forms of work organizations that are sensitive to the needs of life-long learning through adult training and re-training programmes; and finally ensure investment in education and training infrastructure.
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National Strategic Reference Framework

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