Why Is It So Hard? Unpacking Student Struggles to Find Work in Malta
Despite Malta’s strong economy, many students find it hard to secure work due to a mix of demographic shifts, skills mismatches, and changing workplace expectations. While the country boasts one of the EU’s highest youth employment rates, the daily challenges faced by students and graduates remain real and persistent.
The Demographic Crunch
Malta’s youth population has declined dramatically in the last decade, shrinking the pool of entry-level workers and intensifying competition for each opening. Employers face a smaller talent pool, meaning that “being young” is no longer the automatic advantage it once was in landing part-time or graduate roles. Simultaneously, businesses struggle to fill lower-skilled jobs as young workers increasingly set their sights on higher-skilled, white-collar careers.
Skills Mismatch: Education vs Reality
A stubborn gap exists between the skills taught in schools and what employers want, with the Malta Chamber and leading educators calling for stronger vocational pathways and real-world learning. Many students aim for work in highly competitive professions (finance, law, IT) while the bulk of vacancies lie in roles less likely to match their expectations or field of study. The increasing pressure to upskill—especially in tech and soft skills—adds stress for students trying to keep pace.
Changing Work and Career Expectations
Younger generations are looking for jobs that offer flexibility, training, and long-term growth, rather than short-term, unstable work. Many see entry-level roles as stepping stones rather than viable careers, leading to high turnover and reluctance to stay in jobs lacking clear progression. Employers report that investment in soft skills and career progression is still lacking, further deterring students from committing to available roles.
Complexities for International Students
International students can face extra hurdles—legal limitations on work hours, language barriers, and navigating bureaucratic requirements. While most universities offer career services, part-time work limits and the need for strong English proficiency remain significant obstacles for many newcomers.
The Way Forward
For Malta to tackle this challenge, experts stress the need for:
- Closer collaboration between education providers and employers to align training with actual job market needs
- Better investment in upskilling, including digital training and soft skills
- Stronger policies that focus on both attracting and retaining youth talent, with improved support for stable, meaningful work
In summary: Malta’s students face major hurdles finding work—not due to lack of ambition, but due to an evolving economy, skills mismatches, and rising expectations for quality employment.
