Validation of informal and non-formal learning (VINFL) is a major asset in promoting lifelong learning and supporting access to learning for those with no qualifications from formal education. VINFL in Malta is regulated by Subsidiary Legislation 327.432, Validation of Non-Formal and Informal Learning regulations of September 2012.

Under the remit of this legislation, and as per Article 6(1) of SL327.433, the National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) has been entrusted with VINFL. Since then, the NCFHE has set up seven sector skills units (SSUs) and is currently working on establishing other new SSUs. The current SSUs cover the following industries/ sectors:

  • automotive;
  • health and social care;
  • education support;
  • printing and digital media;
  • hospitality and tourism;
  • hair and beauty;
  • construction and building services;

Subsidiary Legislation 327.432 determines that SSUs must include representatives from a number of industry-relevant stakeholders: the economic sector, education and training, government and social partners, and workers’ representatives within the specific sector. They function under the auspices of the NCFHE, which is represented in every SSU meeting.

The NCFHE has already published 13 national occupational standards (NOSs). These consist of a set of job-related standards that highlight the performance expected from an individual when carrying out a specific function.  They are pegged to the Malta qualifications framework (EQF/MQF) and so use the learning outcomes approach. The NOSs are important to both employers and employees as they stipulate the related knowledge, skills and competences required in the different occupations and the aligned levels of these occupations.  

The 13 NOS that have been published on the NCFHE website are:

Automotive

​Motor vehicle repairs​

​Panel beater​

​Level 3

​Automotive

​Motor vehicle repairs​

​Vehicle damage assessor

​Level 4​

Building and construction

​​Tile laying

Assistant tile layer

Level ​2

​Building and Construction​

​Tile laying

​Tile layer​

​Level 3

​Building and Construction

​Plastering

​Assistant plasterer

​Level ​2

​Building and Construction

​Plumbers

Assistant plumber

​Level ​2​​

​Building and Construction

​Plumbers

Plumber​

​​Level 3

​Hair and beauty

​Beauty

Beauty specialist​

Level 3​

​Hair and beauty

​Hair

Hairdresser​

​Level 3

​Health and social care

​Childcare

Childcare worker​​

​Level 4

​Health and social care

​​Childcare

Childcare manager

​Level 5​

​Hair and beauty

​Beauty

Beauty specialist​

Level 3​

​Hair and beauty

​Hair

Hairdresser​

​Level 3

 

The NCFHE is also currently in the process of finalising another six NOS that have been drafted by the hospitality and tourism SSU.

In 2017, the NCFHE signed memoranda of Understanding with Jobsplus ([1]) and the Building Industry Consultative Council (BICC) to carry out the assessment procedures and tests for validating informal and non-formal learning, for the NOSs listed above. The NCFHE is also in the process of signing a memorandum of understanding with the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) to carry out assessment for the Hospitality and tourism NOSs.

Validation in Malta takes place in four distinct stages: identification, documentation, assessment and certification as per the European guidelines issued by Cedefop in 2015.
 

[1] Jobsplus is the successor to the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC). The 2016 name change is part of a wider strategy to position Jobsplus as a innovative and dynamic organisation that excels in meeting needs of employers, jobseekers and employees.

 

More information:

National occupations standards

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