National Strategic Reference Framework

MALTA – National Strategic Reference Framework 2007-2013 Draft Document for Consultation
scientific progress as well as socio-economic needs and expectations are rapidly changing
and increasing the demand to augmented knowledge and flexibility from people.
Advances in the creation of a knowledge society are dependent on the ability to instill a
culture of life-long learning. With regard to measures aimed to improve the adaptability
of workers, there is recognition of the need for the educational and economic sectors to
co-ordinate efforts so as to ensure a close match between labour supply and demand. The
outcome of both mechanisms need to be reflected in educational strategy, in order to
ensure the relevance of policy and informed student choices, including enhancing
employability and adaptability on a widespread basis. Such dialogue mechanism needs to
be complemented by forward planning due to the inherent time lag in the education
process. This will be addressed by developing research capability to provide guidance to
parents and students, institutions and policy makers on local and international trends in
education, technology, and labour markets.
This strategy will also envisage a framework for education and training outside the
formal education sector, within a national life-long learning framework. The setting up of
quality assurance and qualification accreditation systems necessary across the entire
education sector is also necessary to create more accessible pathways into education and
training at different levels and stages in life. This strategic direction will also focus on
extending further adult education, formulating, developing and adopting open, distance
and e-learning strategies, tools and programmes, as well as introducing related training
and re-training schemes. Work organisation also needs to address the concept of an
innovative and adaptable workforce, through continual training and re-training and
participation in education programmes within a life-long learning context.
Inclusive labour markets
Government believes in the need to increase employment rates in disadvantaged
segments of the population facing barriers to employment. Concurrently there is
recognition of the need to increase the participation rate of under represented segments of
the labour market. The basic thrust of the employment strategy is to increase the overall
employment rate in an equal and inclusive manner. This objective is based on a number
of strategic components. Foremost among these is the adoption of an integrated economic
strategy that attracts enterprise based on the skills capacity of untapped or underutilized
human resources. At a strategic level, the possibility of generating economic growth
systematically through employment policy will be pursued. This is primarily dependent
upon improving forms of work organisation as a means of placing employees at the heart
of economic transformation and growth. In this context, flexible and adaptable forms of
work organisation must provide an acceptable balance between work and family life. In
addition, Government is committed to promote child care facilities so as to ensure more
inclusive labour markets. Social partners and non-profit organisations pay an important
role in promoting equality and reducing social exclusion within the labour market. To
increase the contribution of social partners to this process, the strengthening of their
administrative capacity, skills and support systems is required.