European Commission report highlights significant achievements, challenges in education sector

Today's official launch of the Education and Training Monitor 2024 Country Report, which is the European Commission's annual report for Malta, highlights significant achievements and ongoing efforts to enhance the nation's education and training landscape, the government said Thursday.

The findings affirm the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation's commitment to aligning with EU education and employment goals, while addressing emerging challenges to further strengthen the education sector, the statement said.

Among the most notable outcomes of the report is Malta's high 96.2% employment rate for tertiary graduates, well above the EU average of 87.7%. This strong performance reflects the effectiveness of Malta's education system in preparing students for the labour market and ensuring a smooth transition from higher education to professional careers.

The report also highlights an increase in participation in early childhood education and care (ECEC), following a decade of gradual decline, driven by the opening of 38 new childcare centres between 2022 and September 2024. In addition, Malta has made significant strides in increasing tertiary educational attainment, with the rate reaching 46.3% in 2023, surpassing the EU average of 43.1% and the EU target of 45% for 2030. Moreover, the country has seen a rise in inward mobile graduates, with one in ten Maltese tertiary graduates having obtained their degrees abroad, enhancing the global mobility and competitiveness of the country's graduate pool.

The report underscores the strategic importance of the National Education Strategy 2024-2030 (NES), which takes a person-centred approach, prioritising the well-being of both students and educators. The NES outlines measures to improve educational outcomes, including increasing reading time in early years education to strengthen foundational literacy skills. The strategy also envisions a comprehensive revision of initial teacher education and continuous professional development programs to better equip educators with the skills required to meet the evolving demands of the education sector.

A key focus of the NES is on strengthening vocational education and training (VET) to ensure that Malta's workforce is prepared for a rapidly changing global economy. The strategy further proposes increased investment in scholarships for students pursuing studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and green skills, alongside the introduction of a stipend system to encourage students to pursue careers in sectors with significant industry demand. Additionally, the NES seeks to foster a lifelong learning culture by enhancing adult education and promoting synergies between the education system and industry needs.

The report highlights Malta's commitment to sustainability, both in education and broader national policy. Educators are provided with targeted training to integrate environmental sustainability into their teaching, and the National Skills Council is mapping gaps in green and digital skills to align educational offerings with industry needs. To further this objective, sustainability workshops for educators are set to begin this academic year, reinforcing the importance of environmental education across all levels.

It also identifies key challenges that require continued attention. Despite a significant decline in early school leavers over the past decade, there are challenges that are to be addressed. In this regard, the government is implementing reforms to improve early identification systems for at-risk students, with initiatives such as the Family Community School Link Programme aimed at engaging families in supporting educational success. Additionally, while STEM education has made notable progress, the report points out that the share of students graduating from STEM disciplines remains relatively low, with female participation particularly underrepresented. The Digital Education Strategy 2024-2030 seeks to address this gender gap by promoting female role models and strengthening industry partnerships to encourage greater female involvement in STEM fields.

The Education and Training Monitor 2024 reflects Malta's progress while acknowledging the work still needed to improve educational outcomes. The Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation remains committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring that all students can reach their full potential.