Cultivating human resources potential in Malta : a challenge for the social partners

Abstract

A key challenge for Malta’s future is how to equip both individuals and employers with the necessary tools to successfully compete in a changing economy. The cornerstones of this new economy are knowledge and skills. These are key factors of competitiveness today, which can only be achieved by all stakeholders. Employers increasingly demand a labour force that has high levels of vocational and competency skills, and government has the responsibility to ensure that adequate standards prevail in the educational and training systems. The state is responsible overall for shaping and developing the structure, organisation and content of the country’s educational and vocational training systems. It has a crucial role in bringing about a learning society. Society has a legitimate expectation that employers will also invest adequately in the skills of their workforce, and individuals must also take responsibility for skill development that contribute to their employability.