Validation arrangements

In 2017, NCFHE, which is responsible for the validation of non-formal and informal learning, signed two memoranda of understanding (MOU) in this regard:

1. a MOU with Jobsplus and the building industry consultative council to carry out the assessment procedures and tests for validating informal and non-formal learning according to the national occupational standards (NOS);
2. MOU with the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) whereby ITS is now responsible for the validation of work-based learning related to the national occupational standards (up to EQF/MQF Level 5) of the tourism and hospitality sector.

In 2017, at ITS, a process of recognition of prior leaning was designed in conjunction with the Finnish Haaga Helia University of Applied Sciences, to help customise lecturing staff training programmes leading to top-up degrees in hospitality services. This enabled ITS to become a higher institution offering degree programmes in hospitality and tourism as from 2017.

No major developments. Implementation continued.

In 2019, the NCFHE collaborated with the National Skills Council (NSC)to seek efficient ways of setting up new sector skills units (SSUs) in more areas. The NCFHE, together with all the relevant stakeholders, also focused more on the development of national occupational standards (NOS). Throughout 2019, the NCFHE published 32 new NOSs from the various sectors raising the total of published NOSs to 54. These included updated sets of national occupational standards in the printing and digital media industry. The publication of the national occupational standards meant that the printing and digital industry roles from MQF/EQF level 1 to MQF/EQF level 4 are all covered. In 2019, validation assessment for the hospitality and tourism sector started through collaboration between NCFHE, MTA and ITS. In 2019, approximately 275 certificates were issued through the validation of non-formal and informal learning in childcare, building and construction, and hospitality and tourism.

During 2020, the NCFHE promoted a manager in charge of the implementation of validation of non-formal and informal learning.

The total number of sector skills units (SSUs) was raised to nine: covering different sectors: automotive, building and construction, education support, hair and beauty, health and social care, hospitality and tourism, ICT, printing and digital media, and STEM engagement. These SSUs meet monthly and this year these meetings were transferred to online meetings to ensure continuity. During 2020, the most active SSUs were the building and construction, hospitality and tourism, health and social care, ICT and STEM engagement with a total of 16 online meetings during 2020.

Throughout 2020, the NCFHE has increased the number of published NOSs to 80. These are now available on the Malta qualifications database. The NOSs have a pivotal role in the validation assessment. During 2020, the NCFHE signed an MOU with AME Ltd. to start offering validation assessment in the building and construction industry as well. An updated memoranda of understanding was signed with both ITS and Jobsplus to include more roles in which validation assessment shall be offered in health and social care, hospitality and tourism and building and construction. Throughout 2020, a total of 554 certificates were issued to applicants who successfully passed the validation assessment at Jobsplus and ITS.

In October 2020, a virtual study visit was carried out with the Polish Educational Research Institute (IBE) during which various elements of validation of non-formal and informal learning (VNFIL) were discussed and compared. ITS, Jobsplus and Hyland Credentials participated and presented their validation assessment methods and blockchain technology to their Polish counterparts.

Also, in 2020 the NCFHE contracted two ECVET experts to assist it in drawing up guidelines for education institutions on the RPL. These experts carried out desk-based research on RPL policies at local education institutions including the Institute for Tourism Studies (ITS), the University of Malta (UM), the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), the Institute for Education (IfE) and the Gestalt Psychotherapy Training Institute Malta (EAPTI-GPTIM). Two business breakfasts were held to help with the research. The NCFHE signed a contract with Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Partnership (SCQFP) for them to draft the RPL guidelines for NCFHE to disseminate to all education institutions. By December 2020, the SCQFP had participated in two events. The NCFHE intends to publish and disseminate the guidelines by end of the first quarter of 2021.

In 2021, Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) published the Recognition of prior learning (RPL) guidelines which were prepared by the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework Partnership(SCQFP).

Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) developed the guidelines quality assurance guidelines of validation of non-formal and informal learning(VNFIL) for the validation assessment centres(VACs), which were open for public consultation till December 2022. The VACs' quality assurance policy aims at solidifying and ensuring excellence of quality in the process of VNFIL recognition. These guidelines will become became applicable to existing and future VACs and related entities in of 2023.

In 2023, a rigorous evaluation system was set up based on the 2022 guidelines for VACs. This exercise meant to establish high standards in the operational aspect of VACs, thereby establishing trust, transparency and parity of esteem. Applications from providers to open VACs were assessed against these guidelines. Five VACs successfully passed through this process and became operational whilst two applications were rejected.

In addition, two new sector skills units (SSUs) were set up (the automotive SSU and the STEM SSU).

In January 2024, discussions started between the MFHEA and the National Skills Council (NSC) on revising the VNFIL legislative framework. The aim was to share the responsibilities of the regulation between the two entities.

In summer 2024, the MFHEA launched work on updating the 2021 Recognition of prior learning (RPL) guidelines to make them more relevant to current and future needs in view of the EU skills agenda. This was done by the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework Partnership. The updated RPL guidelines were envisaged to be published by mid-2025.

In 2024 the Skills pass within the hospitality and tourism sector was introduced. The Skills pass is a verification process initiated by the Government of Malta that allows skilled individuals in the tourism and hospitality industry to gain recognition for their skills and be able to work in Malta in this industry.

On 4th October 2024, MFHEA held a stakeholder meeting to present the Quality assurance guidelines of validation of non-formal and informal learning (VNFIL) publication, namely the refined quality assurance guidelines for VACs. These were set to come into force on 1st January 2025, aimed to facilitate spot checks and audits of VACs.

In addition, in October 2024, MFHEA became full member of the European network of RPL. This aimed to provide MFHEA visibility and possibilities of networking and collaboration in the field of RPL with other EU countries and institutions adopting RPL policies.