GWU stresses need for skills and training to meet changing world of workDigitalisation discussed at MCESD

2 May 2026 - Economy | News | Politics | Technology | Trade | World and Chronicle

The General Workers’ Union (GWU) has emphasised that workers must be equipped with the necessary training and skills to adapt to the rapidly evolving world of work, as digitalisation continues to play a central role in boosting productivity and ensuring Malta’s competitiveness.

Following a proposal by the GWU and the Malta Chamber of Commerce, the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) held a discussion focusing on digital transformation and its growing importance across various sectors.

GWU Secretary General (Designate) Kevin Camilleri explained that the Union put forward this discussion in the belief that workers must be adequately prepared to face ongoing changes in the labour market. The GWU stressed the importance of lifelong learning to ensure that workers can continuously adapt to technological transformation, while working alongside government and employers to enhance the value of workers within the labour market.

The Malta Chamber of Commerce highlighted that digitalisation is an evolving reality that must be addressed with seriousness, noting that businesses should fully benefit from government schemes, services, and initiatives aimed at strengthening their competitiveness.

The discussion also brought together representatives from key institutions, including the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), Malta Enterprise, and the Malta Business Registry. These entities presented a range of initiatives, measures, and schemes supporting both workers and businesses in adapting to digital transformation.

MCESD Chairperson Maria Micallef underscored that without the right skills, desired outcomes cannot be achieved. She emphasised the importance of reskilling, upskilling, and lifelong learning, while highlighting the need to harness digitalisation to improve quality of life. Sustainability and resilience, she noted, remain key pillars in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.

Micallef stated that through the MCESD’s unique platform, government and social partners can work together to ensure that digitalisation leads to a fair transformation—one that delivers tangible benefits for both industry and workers. She stressed that social dialogue remains essential to ensuring that this transition is inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial to all.

The MCESD Council welcomed the discussion as highly relevant to current realities and put forward several recommendations to the relevant authorities aimed at strengthening digitalisation efforts for both workers and businesses.