Malta Employers has launched TalentSync, an EU-funded project aimed at addressing skills gaps in the labour market and strengthening alignment between industry needs, education systems and policy development.

The initiative seeks to ensure that workforce skills keep pace with evolving industry demands by conducting sector-specific research and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders.

Addressing the launch, Malta Employers President Ivan Refalo emphasised the importance of coordination between different parts of the economy in achieving Malta’s long-term development objectives.

“Malta has ambitious Vision 2050 targets. Achieving them requires stronger alignment between industry, education, and policymakers. TalentSync brings all stakeholders together to make that possible,” he said.

The project will analyse skills shortages and future workforce requirements across three sectors in different countries: aviation in Malta, food innovation in Ireland, and tourism in the Netherlands. These sectoral studies are intended to generate insights that can guide workforce planning, training programmes and education strategies.

According to project documentation, the initiative aims to better understand how rapid technological change and shifting market demands are influencing the skills required by employers. These developments have contributed to persistent mismatches between workforce capabilities and industry needs in many sectors.

TalentSync will also focus on identifying emerging trends that may shape future labour market demands, helping stakeholders anticipate skills requirements rather than reacting to shortages once they arise.

A key outcome of the project will be the development of skills assessment reports for each sector under study. These reports are expected to provide employers, workers, education providers and policymakers with insights into current shortages and future skills needs.

In addition to research activities, the project includes opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange between participating countries. Employers will be able to take part in international study visits and online workshops, allowing them to share experiences and learn from best practices across different markets.

Through these activities, the project aims to contribute to more informed workforce planning and stronger cooperation between businesses, education institutions and public authorities.

TalentSync is funded through the Erasmus+ programme and forms part of broader efforts to ensure that labour markets remain responsive to economic change while supporting sustainable growth and competitiveness.