Validation of Informal and Non- Formal Learning (VINFL) in Malta An insight into Malta’s validation mechanisms / processes in the Childcare and Building & Construction sectors

Introduction VINFL has been regulated through L.N. 327.433. Discussed in parliament in end 2012 Set-up to regulate the framework for granting VINFL awards on the MQF

Responsibility The VINFL has been legislated to form part of the National Commission for Further and Higher Education Within the remit of the Ministry for Education & Employment

Scope & Obligations Providing a Regulatory Framework Levelling Validation to the MQF (Level 1 to Level 5) Benchmarking occupations Allow for career development Increased employability opportunities Identify skill shortages The scope of the mentioned legal notice is to regulate the framework on which VINFL works in Malta. Consequently, the validation is levelled to the Malta Qualifications Framework from Level 1 up to Level 5. This means that VINFL is aiding in benchmarking occupations which will undoubtedly help in career development. By having a regulatory framework on validation, Malta has a good functioning validation process which helps in increasing employability opportunities to anyone who benefits from this opportunity. Another advantage of VINFL is that throughout the years it has been in operation, there have been various skill shortages identified and thus Malta has been able to act upon these.

The Malta Qualifications Framework

Mechanisms The NCFHE establishes: Sector Skills Units; approved by the Minister for Education – the SSU is responsible for development of NOS and the validation processes behind the qualifications: inclusive of QA and promotion

Sector Skills Units Sector Skills Unit shall be composed of: Chairperson Two members representing the respective economic sector Two members representing education and training One member representing a government authority or board associated with the sector One member appointed by workers’ representatives within the sector

SSU Responsibilities Develop national occupational standards (NOSs) Develop and propose the validation system Develop and maintain referencing to the MQF Provide guidance and counselling to persons undergoing VINFL Undertake assessments and tests Audit assessment processes Develop and propose marks of distinction and of QA Promote and advise on VINFL Administer and report the performance of the unit and the sector

List of Sector Skills Units Health and Social Care Building and Construction Automotive Hair and Beauty Tourism and Hospitality Education Support

Childcare sector Health and Social Care Sector Skills Unit is in the final stages of publishing the NOSs at MQF Levels 4 & 5 Published NOSs: Childcare Worker – MQF Level 4 Childcare Manager – MQF Level 5 Trade testing is currently being carried out by Jobsplus. 281 candidates have successfully passed the validation process

Childcare Sector – Learning Curve All NOSs should be updated frequently to stay relevant The validation process requires a robust QA system Memorandums of Understanding aid the VINFL process A Sector Skills Unit considers all stakeholder concerns and as a result we have richer NOSs. The employment sector must accept the result slip of the validation process and thus gives value to validation in the job market.

Building & Construction Sector Building & Construction SSU has been working on various NOSs during the past year. 7 NOSs have been published during 2016. Discussion on the adequate validation process according to the MQF Level. Validation process has commenced by Jobsplus.

Building & Construction NOSs Assistant Tile Layer – MQF Level 2 Tile Layer – MQF Level 3 Assistant Plumber – MQF Level 2 Plumber – MQF Level 3 Assistant Electrical Fitter – MQF Level 2 Assistant Plasterer – MQF Level 2 Plasterer – MQF Level 3

Publication of Occupational Standards All Occupational Standards are published on our website: https://ncfhe.gov.mt/en/services/Pages/All%20Services/vinfl_nos.aspx

The Validation Process The respective SSU shall appoint the validation process managers: tasked with the evaluation and co-ordination The SSU shall identify the validation needs for an occupation, depending on its’ nature: portfolio (résumés, references, formal qualifications, photographs, audio and video clips) debate or interview declarative methods on the job evaluation tests and examinations Assessment procedures, methods and tools shall make provision for candidates’ technical or professional competences, personal and social competences. Jobsplus Malta.

The Validation Process Jobsplus is currently in charge of the validation process in Malta in both the childcare and the building sectors. 281 candidates have successfully earned awards through this process up till today. Candidates should have at least 3 years experience in the sector Adequate practical or written tests according to the MQF Level

Quality Assurance Should be established by the Sector Skills Unit Should be approved by the Commission Should have external evaluators to conduct QA practices Should establish and propose to the SSU marks of distinction Should be developed on the basis of the National QA Framework (developed in 2015) Appeals may be directed to an independent appeals board The SSU may choose to add ad-hoc specialised individuals when and if the need may arise TO REMOVE?

Disability & Access Committee The Access Committee issues a call for an expert in the area to develop a report about access arrangements in the area of expertise. A report has been developed for the childcare sector and another is in progress for the building sector. All occupational standards are adapted as there are no general practices Jobsplus tackles these individuals accordingly by offering an employment advisor for detailed guidance.

Way Forward Set up of new sector skills units While in 2016 we have set up admin structures to write their own NOSs, in 2017 we shall focus more on the development of NOSs Development of QA Structures Further promotion on the validation process Review of already published NOSs

Thank You for further information please contact martina. a. vella@gov Thank You for further information please contact martina.a.vella@gov.mt