Companies to Watch: AMO set to revolutionise construction training in Malta

What began as a company offering consultation and concierge services at C-level has evolved into a pioneering educational institution in Malta’s construction sector. Under the leadership of Managing Director Trevor Mallia and Chief Commercial Officer Noure Ouaari, Advanced Management Options (AMO) has one mission: to reshape the landscape of construction education in Malta while addressing crucial gaps in the market.

Looking back on the compay’s transformation, Trevor, whose background combines technical expertise with coaching and mentoring, explains how it all began when he acquired the educational division of a health and safety company. While initially attracted by the company’s VNFIL (Verification of Non Formal and Informal Learning) permit, the Managing Director soon discovered a deeper mission.

“I realised that I was actually becoming very interested in the fact that we could offer a product to give workers a tool to either escalate more in their business or get recognised for what they do,” Trevor explains. This realisation has shaped AMO’s current focus on providing comprehensive training solutions for both local and foreign workers in Malta’s construction industry.

AMO’s approach to training is particularly innovative in how it addresses the challenges faced by foreign workers entering Malta’s construction sector. The company has developed a program that goes beyond traditional construction training, incorporating cultural adaptation and essential life skills, Trevor explains.

“People coming from different countries may not be used to our banking system, or our taxation system, for example,” he notes. “We show them how everything is done properly, whil also teaching them the construction trade.”

The company’s comprehensive program includes training in stone masonry, roofing, shuttering, scaffolding and safety protocols, as well as European cultural integration, and financial and administrative systems.

AMO’s model benefits both workers and employers, the Managing Director notes. For foreign workers, the company offers a more ethical and cost-effective alternative to traditional recruitment channels, charging “a fraction” of what workers typically pay to agents. For employers, the program provides access to well-trained workers through a practical apprenticeship-style system.

Despite the benefits, the company still faces several challenges, he confides, including the hesitancy of construction companies to invest in training, as well as the industry’s notorious payment delays. However, Trevor and his team have developed strategies to make their services more accessible, including competitive pricing and tailored programs.

With extensive experience in fintech and large-scale operations, Chief Commercial Officer Noure Ouaari is focused on taking the company global. “The main function is to take the brand abroad,” Noure explains. “We’re trying to build programs in nursing, in languages… specific trades that would be more attractive to international clients.”

AMO is also actively working on expanding its digital presence and international partnerships. “We are relaunching our training websites and have an increasingly busy social media presence across LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube,” the CCO notes, explaining that the company is particularly focused on building partnerships outside the EU, where their services could have the most significant impact.

As AMO moves into 2025, the company has ambitious plans for growth. They aim to upgrade their license to offer higher education up to level 6, and are in discussions with one of Europe’s largest universities to introduce new services to the Maltese market. Looking ahead, Trevor also plans to expand the company’s physical presence to accommodate more students while maintaining its high standards of quality education. With its innovative approach to construction training and ambitious plans for expansion, Advanced Management Options is well-positioned to make a significant impact on both the local and international education sectors. Their commitment to quality training, coupled with their understanding of market needs, certainly makes them a company to watch.

This interview forms part of the Companies to Watch in 2024, a business serialisation of BusinessNow.mt, Malta’s fastest-growing, cutting-edge business news portal, aimed at companies achieving their goals, marking important milestones, or planning to announce major business news.

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