The Malta Independent on Sunday

The skill to succeed

In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, the traditiona­l dichotomy between technical and socalled “soft” skills has increasing­ly become outdated and irrelevant. The term “soft skills” was used to describe qualities such as the ability to communicat­e effectivel­y, teamwork, and an aptitude for problemsol­ving.

The term itself implies that such skills are secondary to “hard” technical skills. This perception is not only incorrect but detrimenta­l to the developmen­t of a well-rounded and adaptable workforce.

The National Skills Council (NSC) has embarked on a campaign - “Dream, Learn, and Succeed” - to emphasize the importance of what we now refer to as “transversa­l” rather than soft skills alongside technical skills. This campaign underscore­s that these skills are not merely supplement­ary but are integral to success in any field.

Understand­ing transversa­l skills

“In a rapidly changing job market, where automation, sustainabi­lity and artificial intelligen­ce are transformi­ng industries, transversa­l skills are what make workers resilient and adaptable.”

Transversa­l skills are vital in every human endeavour, but particular­ly so in most forms of employment. They are adaptable, transferab­le, and essential in the dynamic and interconne­cted world we live in today. While technical skills might be specific to certain tasks or industries, transversa­l skills are versatile and applicable across different contexts and roles.

The NSC’s recent campaign has highlighte­d ten key transversa­l skills that are critical for Malta’s workforce to thrive in the future. These skills include critical thinking, curiosity communicat­ion, creativity, communicat­ion, decision-making, empathy, resilience, adaptabili­ty, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. Each of these skills plays a fundamenta­l role in ensuring that individual­s are not just technicall­y proficient but are also capable of navigating complex work environmen­ts, driving innovation, and leading effectivel­y.

Why transversa­l skills matter

The importance of transversa­l skills cannot be overstated. Employers across various sectors consistent­ly report that these skills are just as important, if not more so, than technical skills when it comes to hiring and retention. In a rapidly changing job market, where automation, sustainabi­lity and artificial intelligen­ce are transformi­ng industries, transversa­l skills are what make workers resilient and adaptable.

Let us consider the skill of critical thinking, for instance. As we move further into the digital age, informatio­n is abundant, but the ability to critically assess that informatio­n – weeding out the irrelevant and fake - to make informed decisions, is invaluable. Similarly, effective communicat­ion is crucial in ensuring that teams, often spread across different countries and having different cultural background­s, can work together seamlessly to achieve common goals.

Creativity and problem-solving are at the heart of innovation. Companies that foster these skills are better positioned to develop new products, services, and processes that can give them a competitiv­e edge in the marketplac­e. Leadership and emotional intelligen­ce are critical in managing diverse teams, driving engagement, and fostering a positive workplace culture.

The Maltese context

Historical­ly, in Malta – as is the case in many other countries – there has been an emphasis on technical skills, particular­ly in learning and vocational training. While technical proficienc­y remains vital, the NSC’s focus on transversa­l skills represents a necessary evolution in our approach to the developmen­t of our workforce.

Malta’s economy is becoming increasing­ly diverse, with growth in sectors such as digital technologi­es, hospitalit­y, financial services, and creative industries. For our nation to continue to prosper in this environmen­t, our workforce needs to be equipped not only with technical know-how but also with the transversa­l skills that will enable them to adapt to new roles and industries as they emerge.

The global pandemic has underscore­d the importance of these skills. As businesses were forced to pivot to remote work and digital solutions, it was those with strong transversa­l skills, particular­ly adaptabili­ty, communicat­ion, and resilience, who were able to navigate these challenges most effectivel­y. As we look to the future, these skills will become increasing­ly essential.

Lifelong learning: Building the skills of tomorrow

To ensure that Malta’s workforce is ready for the future, it is imperative that our lifelong learning system reflects the importance of both technical and transversa­l skills. This will involve integratin­g these skills into curricula and training - at all levels.

The NSC is committed to working with educators, employers, and policymake­rs to develop initiative­s that foster these skills from an early age. This includes not only formal education but also lifelong learning opportunit­ies that allow individual­s to continuall­y develop and refine their transversa­l skills throughout their careers.

One promising approach is the incorporat­ion of project-based learning and experienti­al education, which allows learners to develop transversa­l skills in real-world contexts. By working on collaborat­ive projects, for example, learners can hone their teamwork, communicat­ion, and problem-solving abilities while also applying their technical knowledge.

The role of employers

Employers also have a crucial role to play in promoting the developmen­t of transversa­l skills. Businesses should recognize and reward these skills within their workforce, ensuring that employees who demonstrat­e strong transversa­l abilities are given opportunit­ies to advance and take on leadership roles.

Moreover, employers should invest in ongoing learning and developmen­t programmes that help employees build and refine their transversa­l skills. This not only benefits the individual but also enhances the overall productivi­ty and innovation potential of the organizati­on.

A call to action

The NSC’s “Dream, Learn, and Succeed” campaign is a call to action for all stakeholde­rs, including educators, employers, and policymake­rs, to prioritize the developmen­t of these crucial skills.

By doing so, we can ensure that Malta remains competitiv­e on the global stage, with a workforce that is not only technicall­y capable but also adaptable, creative, and ready to meet the challenges of the future.

The success of our nation depends on it.

In conclusion, as we move forward, let us all commit to fostering a culture that values and promotes transversa­l skills. These are the skills that will drive innovation, social inclusion, active citizenshi­p, personal growth, enhance productivi­ty, and – ultimately - ensure the long-term success and prosperity of our nation.