S.L. 607.4 Art. 6Sector Skills Units.

(1) The National Skills Council 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 National Skills Council with the approval of the Minister.

(2) The Sector Skills Units shall be composed of the following:

(a) a Chairperson;

(b) two (2) members from the private sector representing the respective economic sector;

(c) two (2) members representing education and training institutions, representing the public and the private sector;

(d) one (1) member representing a government authority or department responsible for the policy development associated with the relevant sector;

(e) one (1) member appointed by workers’ representatives within the relevant sector; and

(f) up to a maximum of four (4) additional members, at the discretion of the Minister, who may contribute to the work of the Sector Skills Units:

Provided that failure to appoint any member shall not invalidate the working of the Sector Skills Units.

(3) The Sector Skills Units shall be under the direct responsibility of the Sector Skills Committee and shall apply the established instruments.

(4) The 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 shortages by facilitating the validation of non-formal and informal learning; and

(c) to improve learning opportunities 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 INFORMAL LEARNING

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, in agreement with the Authority;

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

(e) to approve assessments and testing methods for the validation of non-formal and informal learning;

(f) to contribute to audits launched by the Authority from time to time, of all assessment processes and results achieved thereby;

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

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

(i) to compile and send to the Sector Skills Committee, by 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 (3) years and shall be eligible for re-appointment.

(7) Each Sectors Skills Unit shall meet as often as necessary and the quorum shall be of four (4) members, including the Chairperson.

(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 Chairperson shall have a casting vote.

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

(10) The National Skills Council shall appoint one (1) 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.