The Malta Employers’ Association and the Malta Institute of Management in collaboration with the Employment and Training Corporation organised an information session in relation to the ETC Employment Aid Programme and the Training Aid Framework on the 14th May 2009 at the Hotel Phoenicia, Floriana.
In response to the several requests made by its members, the Malta Employers’ Association held an Information Session on the Swine Flu on the 28th August at the Hotel Phoenicia, Floriana.
Ms Roseanne Camilleri, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Social Policy gave an instructive presentation on business continuity and advised that those companies which don’t have a plan, start working on one. Ms Edwina Bajada, a pharmacist, also gave a very informative presentation on how to prevent the spreading of the H1N1 Virus entitled ‘The Science of Hygiene’.
The Malta Employers’ Association shall be distributing guidelines in the coming weeks.
The event was sponsored by Chemimart Group.
The Malta Employers’ Association organised an information session about the recent developments regarding the Malta Qualifications Framework. The session focused on the referencing process, and how qualifications shall be classified in the MQF. It was held on 12th February 2010 at the Hotel Phoenicia, the Mall, Floriana. Dr James Calleja and Mr Richard Curmi from the Malta Qualifications Council delivered a presentation about Standards and Qualifications.
What is the Malta Qualifications Council?
The mission statement of the MQC states that its main objective is: To oversee the development of the National Qualifications Framework in the context of lifelong learning and to work in partnership with learners, employers and training and education providers to achieve and maintain excellence as a contribution towards the national effort for competitiveness.
Malta’s Qualifications Framework takes the existing qualifications currently being issued by local education and training institutions and superimposes them on eight different levels.
MQC accredits programmes of studies and institutions on the basis of level descriptors, quality assurance mechanisms and clear pathways for further training and education. Occupational standards also determine the accreditation of specific programmes of studies.
Validation
Validation is the tool through which invisible learning is made visible. It is the tool through which, within a lifelong learning perspective, what is learnt, in whatever way, can be assigned a recognised value for personal use, social recognition, and employment. For individuals, validation means giving value to all the range of skills and competences one has; for employers it makes human resource management easier as it is possible to identify what a person is able to do; and for society where all the skills and competences available can be mapped. Validation is used as a common term to cover a whole process involving first the identification of learning outcomes, undergoing assessment and/or testing processes, to recognition, certification or accreditation at the end of the process.
The importance of validation has been highlighted in trying to value all types of learning, whenever and wherever it takes place and with a view that it makes visible learning what has so far still remained invisible. This is particularly relevant in the case of lifelong learning.
Validation takes place in the case of formal, informal and non-formal learning situations. In the case of formal education involving education and/or training programmes, validation leads to a certificate or diploma. This certification is usually placed within a national qualifications framework. This type of validation includes assessment of prior learning (APL). Validation in this area is usually recognised nationally and possibly also internationally, and has value within the labour market. Validation of formal education is quite advanced.
Legal Notice 117 of 2010, published in the Government Gazzette on the 16th March 2010, has brought about changes to the eligibility of employees for pro rata benefits and entitlements.
The Malta Employers’ Association organised an Information Session on 29 March 2010 where an overview of the Part Time Regulations was given with particular reference to the implications the amendments shall have for employers.
Dr Noel Vella – Director of Employment and Industrial Relations was present and answered questions from the floor.
Following the numerous queries that the Malta Employers’ Association receives on a daily basis concerning the Organisation of Working Time Regulations, on Monday 26th July the MEA organised an Information Session for its members entitled ‘Organising Working Time – Present and Future’.
During this Information Session Dr Charlotte Camilleri delved into the various provisions of the Regulation highlighting in particular the several exceptions to the general rules and obligations imposed on employers.
The proposed amendments to the Working Time Directive made by the European Commission in 2004 and last year were also discussed. The MEA will keep you updated on any further proposed amendments made by the European Commission.
The MEA organised an Information session entitled: Pension Reform & its impact on Employers on 5th November 2010 at the Hotel Phoenicia, The Mall, Floriana.
During this information session, Mr. David Spiteri Gingell provided an overview of the latest developments concerning pension reform in Malta and their impact on employers.
