A draft policy on vocational and educational training was unveiled yesterday aimed at giving more importance to this dimension of education at secondary and graduate levels.
It proposes joint research programmes and initiatives to be carried out between the University of Malta and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology.
A number of studies are proposed, including an analysis of the challenges facing students from low-income families.
Under the policy, a trust fund would be set up to encourage the private sector to invest in research initiatives. There would also be support schemes for start-ups tied to vocational sectors deemed essential for industry.
The policy, which covers a six-year period up to 2020, was presented to the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education.
Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli lauded the initiative, saying that it would help to address the lack of skilled workers in certain vocational subjects.