The Directorate for STEM and VET Programmes (DSVP) was set up in May 2023. It represents Malta in various VET-related fora and working groups and assures the relevance of VET with labour market needs and trends. The DSVP provides expert guidance on curriculum development, identifies enablers and barriers to STEM and VET learning and assessment programmes, and collaborates with various stakeholders on curriculum innovation, learning and assessment programmes, specialised programmes, and teacher training. It also oversees the implementation of the National Implementation Plan (NIP) in alignment with the Council Recommendation on VET and the Osnabrück Declaration.
DSVP involvement in VET
The DSVP is committed to raising VET to an equal level as that of STEM, which explains the idea of one Directorate managing both paths. The DSVP was assigned with managing a working group focusing on VET in compulsory and non-compulsory education.
The DSVP is committed to contributing to the coordination of ReferNet, and plays a leading role in supporting Cedefop with its European VET Teachers Survey (EVTS). The Directorate is also represented in the European working group on vocational education and training and the green transition.
The DSVP aims at strengthening national initiatives in relation to STEM and VET and is at the forefront of numerous ongoing initiatives that are highly valued by students, parents, and educators.
Updates on VET in compulsory schooling
In 2011, the education ministry introduced a strategic plan to integrate VET into compulsory education.
The VET areas offered in compulsory schooling are:
- agribusiness;
- engineering technology;
- fashion and textiles;
- hairdressing and beauty;
- health and social care;
- hospitality;
- information technologies(IT);
- media literacy; and
- retail.
The set-up of the DSVP limited these subjects, which are now linked to the Applied vocational certificate (AVC). The subjects were designed with a focus on specific industry needs, preparing candidates with employability skills that can be actively applied in the workplace or further education. The aim is to instil curiosity into candidates through practical hands-on experience. This approach equips them with the technical skills and knowledge relevant to their qualification stream, providing them with essential and suitable employability skills
To ensure that the AVC remains relevant, regular meetings are held with the National Skills Council, the Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of SMEs and other important stakeholders. Education officers in charge of the subjects are encouraged to attend seminars and liaise directly with the industry to help them meet specific future needs in these areas. The AVC helps learners develop soft skills and provides them with an opportunity to qualify with EQF/MQF level 3, as well as with exit points at EQF/MQF levels 2 and 1.
The aim of this new route, established in late 2024, is to create another possible pathway within the compulsory schooling age, by engaging learners at an early stage, opening up their prospects for the years to come and foster interest in VET.
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| Please cite this news item as: ReferNet Malta, & Cedefop (2025, February 21). Malta: a new Directorate promotes VET in compulsory schooling. National news on VET. |