Bridging the skills gap : a case study on the restoration directorate

Abstract

Skills and knowledge are essential driving forces of economic growth and social development, especially in countries with limited resources like Malta. Countries possessing high skill levels adjust more effectively to the challenges and opportunities offered by globalisation. A skills gap has been defined as a significant gap between an organisation’s current capabilities and the skills it needs to achieve its goals. An organisation experiencing such a gap cannot grow or remain competitive because it cannot fill critical jobs. Skills gap are not only relevant for organisations when searching externally for suitable staff, but significant gaps in the skills of the existing workforce may also occur. The aim of this dissertation is to identify and investigate the skills gaps within the Technical and Supervisory Grades of the Restoration Directorate, which falls under the portfolio of the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government; and propose recommendations to help address this matter. The methodological design which has been deployed to research the subject at hand is a case study based on the inductive approach, making use of mixed methods of data collection. Organisations will always experience skill gaps if they are staying ahead of shifting conditions in their environments and clients’ changing expectations. MCAST’s mission includes a clear link to the local economy which increases the responsiveness to the labour market.