Future jobs preparation starts today - Miriam Dalli

“As Malta’s economic growth remains one of the strongest in Europe, our next step is to ensure that we are preparing our children and young people for the jobs that await them in 10 to 15 years’ time,” said MEP Miriam Dalli, addressing a political activity in Hamrun.

Dalli referred to the report issued by the International Monetary Fund on economic growth in Malta: “Whilst the IMF is warning of a global downturn, its forecasts for Malta’s economic growth are positive,” she said, adding that this was a result of the government’s long-term plan to reduce the burdens felt by families and businesses, to attract investment and to encourage more people to join the workforce.

“It is time to prepare ourselves for tomorrow’s economy by improving human resources, in- vesting in education and preparing our students for the jobs of tomorrow,” she said.

Dalli also referred to the section of the IMF report that emphasised the need to continue strengthening the vocational and training system to help bridge the skills gap. Further investment in research and development and promoting innovative measures to help SMEs was also important.

She noted that the nature of jobs as we know it is changing and it is up to the politicians to anticipate the changes and take action. In a globalised world, instability or a change in one country can have a negative impact on others:

“This government is already leading the way in certain sectors and it is this mentality that we need to champion.”

Asked about her priorities Dalli emphasised that now that the country was enjoying a strong economy, a better quality of life for everyone should be ensured. “This is the level for which we need to aim to continue progressing and regenerating as a country. Even through the representatives in the European Parliament, we must work for the good of our country and not for partisan interests.”