S.L. 607.2 Art. 6Sector Skills Units.

(1) The Commission shall from time to time, on the advice of the Sector Skills Committee and in accordance with these regulations, establish Sector Skills Units, the members of which shall be appointed by the Commission with the approval of the Minister.

(2) The Sector Skills Units shall be composed as follows:

(a) a Chairman;

(b) two members representing the respective economic sector;

(c) two members representing education and training;

(d) one member representing a government authority or board associated with the sector; and

(e) one member appointed by workers’ representatives within the sector.

(3) Sector Skills Units shall be under the direct responsibility of the Sector Skills Committee and shall apply the instruments established by the Commission under these regulations.

(4) Sector Skills Units shall have the following objectives:

(a) to ensure the consistency and relevance of occupational standards;

(b) to reduce skills gaps and skills shortage and to improve the skills and productivity of their sector’s workforce; and

(c) to improve learning supply and to ensure the recognition and certification of skills and competences.

(5) Sector Skills Units shall have the following functions and responsibilities:

(a) to develop and propose to the Sector Skills Committee occupational standards relevant to their respective sector;

(b) to develop and propose to the Sector Skills Committee guidelines and mechanisms for the validation of non-formal and informal learning for all skills within their respective sector;

(c) to develop and maintain a sectoral qualifications framework referenced to the Malta Qualifications Framework;

(d) to provide guidance and counselling services to persons submitting their documented experiences for validation;

(e) to undertake assessments and tests for validating non-formal and informal learning;

(f) to audit from time to time all assessment processes and results achieved thereby;

(g) to develop and propose to the Sector Skills Committee marks of distinction and of quality assurance in the provision of non-formal learning in their respective sector and to oversee the use and implementation of such marks in accordance with the requirements of the Commission;

(h) to advise on, and promote, the benefits of validation of non-formal and informal learning in their respective sector;

(i) to advise the Sector Skills Committee on the state, operation, needs and prospects of the sector from an education and training perspective; and

(j) to compile and send to the Sector Skills Committee not later than six weeks after the end of each financial year, an annual report on its activities during that year, including the policies, functions and future plans of the respective Sector Skills Unit.

(6) Members of the Sector Skills Units shall be appointed for a period not exceeding three years and shall be eligible for re-appointment.

(7) Each Sectors Skills Unit shall meet as often as necessary and the quorum shall be four members, including the Chairman.

(8) In the absence of consensus, decisions of the Sector Skills Units shall be taken by a majority of votes of the members present and voting; in the case of an equality of votes, the Chairman shall exercise a casting vote.

(9) Any vacancy among members of the Sector Skills Units shall not invalidate the proceedings of the Units.

(10) The Commission shall appoint one or more coordinators who shall be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Sector Skills Units and to provide appropriate support for their meetings and to implement any decisions taken.