1. 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

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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. The Malta Qualifications Framework

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. Publication of Occupational Standards
All Occupational Standards are published on our website:

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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?

18. 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.

19. 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

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