Malta: forecasting skills needs in career guidance

Building an evidence base

The project, Forecasting skills needs of Human Resource and Career Guidance Practitioners in Malta and Training Key Stakeholders, examines how guidance roles are evolving in response to new labour market demands. Career Guidance Practitioners play a central role in supporting learners and jobseekers, and the project aligns with European priorities on skills for the future of work.

The first phase focused on desk research. This included reviewing national and international studies, analysing Malta’s changing labour market context and compiling evidence on emerging skills requirements. The findings established the analytical foundation for the next stages of work.

The second phase involved empirical research. Data was collected through stakeholder interviews and an anonymous questionnaire distributed to Career Guidance Practitioners and their employers, both within and outside the education system. The aim was to identify key skills gaps, understand training needs and capture practitioners’ perspectives on future challenges.

Translating research into practice

Since October 2025, the initiative has moved into a knowledge-transfer phase that aims to convert research insights into practical tools for professionals. The project team is preparing a series of workshops based on the findings, designed to support capacity building across the guidance community. Four workshops will be delivered by the end of the year to the following target groups:

• career guidance practitioners working in education and employment contexts;
• guidance teachers;
• personal, social and career development educators;
• researchers and students interested in career guidance

The final phase will focus on academic dissemination. Research papers drawing on all findings will be prepared and submitted for publication, with completion expected by the end of 2026.

Read more:

• National Skills Council-career guidance services