Malta has returned as a member of WorldSkills Europe, a platform that brings together countries to strengthen skills systems, promote vocational excellence, and celebrate talent through cooperation, knowledge exchange and international skills competitions, Malta’s National Skills Council has said.
Malta’s membership was formally ratified during the WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2026 in Helsinki.
The National Skills Council said that this marks more than membership within a European network. “It signals Malta’s commitment to placing skills excellence, talent development and vocational achievement more prominently within the national conversation on education and future workforce development.”
The council said that through its role as Malta’s official representative within WorldSkills Europe, it will contribute to European cooperation and knowledge exchange in areas related to vocational excellence, talent development and emerging workforce needs.
“Importantly, this step also supports wider national efforts to continue strengthening the visibility, value and prestige of vocational education and skills-based careers, ensuring that technical talent is recognised not as an alternative pathway, but as a driver of innovation, opportunity, and economic growth,” it said.
Malta had been a member of WorldSkills Europe from 2008 to 2017.
“We are delighted to welcome Malta back to WorldSkills Europe and look forward to their insights and expertise, which will help us empower even greater numbers of young people to thrive in both work and life, and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.” said Ben Blackledge, Chair of the Board, WorldSkills Europe.
This membership opens new opportunities for collaboration, benchmarking, international exposure and the development of high-performing skills ecosystems that place learners, talent and excellence at their core, the National Skills Council said. This, as Malta prepares for future participation within the WorldSkills Europe framework.
Glorianne Cachia, Director-Policy & Technical Affairs at the National Skills Council and Stephen Sammut, Deputy Principal at MCAST, represented Malta on this occasion.
WorldSkills Europe organises EuroSkills – the biggest vocational education and skills excellence event in Europe. The National Skills Council described the skills competition as one that showcases the highest standards of technical expertise, innovation, precision, and professionalism.
Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, Executive Chairman of the National Skills Council said: “Malta is looking forward to participating in WorldSkills Europe again. The National Skills Council aims to enhance Malta's participation in international skills cooperation and support the continuous improvement of our skills ecosystem. Skills competitions at this level contribute to the promotion of skills excellence, vocational standards and skills-based professions for the benefit of Malta's economy and workforce.”
By re-joining as a Member in 2026, WorldSkills Malta is eligible to participate in EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027, and in future EuroSkills Competitions and related activities.
EuroSkills is often described as the “Olympics of Skills”, the National Skills Council said, “since the best young talent is celebrated in this high-stakes competition. The main objectives include demonstrating the critical role vocational and technical pathways play within competitive, resilient and future-oriented economies.”
Cover image: National Skills Council Linkedin post
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