Local Councils of Malta and Gozo were consulted regarding the introduction of skill cards for workers in the construction industry through briefings held at the Civic Centre in Birkirkara yesterday and today in the Ministry for Gozo.
These meetings, held in collaboration between the Ministry for Gozo, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government and the Building Industry Consultative Council (BICC) explained when the skill cards will be introduced, what the implications are and how it will affect the work of the Local Councils.
The Minister for Gozo, Anton Refalo said that over the past days the BICC together, and in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo, organised a public meeting for construction workers. The purpose of this meeting was to ensure that local construction workers are well informed about the skill card, which will come into force at the beginning of next year.
He reiterated the importance of the skill card, in that the employee has his work recognised, as well as the importance to training on health and safety at the workplace.
Dr Refalo said the next step is for the system to come into force, Gozitans will be able to get any information necessary from all Gozo Local Councils. The Ministry is always ready to offer every possible support, he said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Stefan Buontempo said that at the end of May this year the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government submitted its reaction to the introduction of the skill card and suggested ways the Local Councils may be involved in the process leading to worker given this card.
Parliamentary Secretary Buontempo explained how the Local Councils will be also involved as entities carrying out infrastructure works, since in the future the Councils will be obliged to only hire workers who hold this card.
Moreover, explained Parliamentary Secretary Buontempo, Local Councils will be involved in the role of providing information about the skill card to persons within their locality, including the provision of assistance in the submission of applications to obtain the cards, and as a one-stop-shop where the public can apply, as well as Centres from which courses can be provided leading to obtaining the same skill card.
BICC chairman Charles Buhagia, explained that Malta is one of the few countries in the world not to have a system to certify the skills of all workers in the construction industry. Through this system he said "there will be substantial improvements in the level of health and safety at the workplace and the workers will get a form of recognition that is valid internationally."
Photograph: MGOZ/George Scerri