Last May, the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) launched its ESF Employability Programme, an initiative aimed at supporting a multi-faceted programme focusing on increasing employability.
The programme targeted not only the unemployed but also unskilled workers – those without formal qualifications, those who are looking to move upwards in their career, those who are already studying or undergoing training, the self-employed, and also employers.
Over 14,000 have benefitted from the schemes and initiatives that the corporation has introduced as part of this programme – which have generated interest on both sides of the labour market: employees and employers.
In today’s work environment, the term ‘employability’ should be a major concern and priority for both employees and employers. The changing economic environment and increased competition have altered the rules of the game for both sides.
We live in a world where gaining skills relevant to the workplace is seen as an added benefit and has become a prerequisite. Employees – current and future – must realise they cannot survive for long in the new job market unless they gain or sharpen their employability.
Why is training so important? Because the two greatest employer concerns today are finding ‘good workers’ (the right kind) and training them. Employability skills are those basic skills necessary for finding and maintaining a job and doing it well.
Those in the labour market must realise that training, basic and technical skills, certification and ‘job readiness’ make them stand out amid tough competition – whether it’s for a job, a promotion, or a salary increase.
On the other side of the equation are employers who, likewise, must realise the importance of enhancing employability not only for their employees but also for the pool of workers available in the market in general.
The difference between the job skills needed and those possessed by applicants is of real concern to human resource managers and business owners looking for competent employees.
Finding workers who have the right skills that enable them to fit in and remain in the work environment is a real problem. Employers need reliable, responsible workers who can solve problems and have the social skills and attitudes to work as part of a team.
This is why the ‘I Can’ campaign looks at individual workers as much as the business and labour market, recognising that while many individuals have a hard time finding job opportunities because they lack the necessary skills sought by employers, employers are finding it hard to find the right employees.
The schemes promoted within the ‘I Can’ campaign incorporate programmes which aim at delivering general and specific skills needed by the labour market.
The input of employers in achieving this is crucial.
Who better than employers themselves to know the needs of today’s labour market?
‘I Can’ focuses on two important aspects of the job market: job mobility (people’s ability to move from one job to another) and job security (the probability that a person retains one job).
Employees with the right skills are in demand and are considered valuable human capital assets to companies.
The modern workforce requires people who are adaptable and able to manage complex environments.
As various skills are developed over a lifetime and across a range of contexts, ultimately individuals must be responsible for their own learning and for making choices and decisions which enhance their employability.
This is an opportunity for the taking. However, it is up to the individuals concerned to take action. Enhancing employability is no longer just a beneficial option. It is now a must for a future in the job market.
All ETC training programmes and initiatives that are part of the Employability Programme are being offered to the public free of charge.
For more information, access the website www.etc.gov.mt, or visit the ETC training centre in Ħal Far or any one of the corporation’s various job centres in Malta and Gozo.
One can also obtain further details by calling the corporation’s Training Division on 2220 1610/4 or by sending an e-mail to training.etc@gov.mt.