Tracing the evolution of work-based learning and apprenticeship schemes in Malta (1940s–1960s)

Abstract

This paper is part of a research project that explores Malta’s educational pathway of work-based learning programmes between the 1940s and 2020, particularly emphasising apprenticeship schemes as a leading model for technical education and training. The main goal of this paper is to shed light on how educational policies and legal initiatives shaped apprenticeship and work-based learning between the 1940s and the 1960s. The paper employs repository consultation and parliamentary discourse analysis as a methodological approach centred on the analyses of parliamentary debates, national legislation, and government reports. The paper sheds light on the pedagogical advancements within the work-based and apprenticeship technical education field, explaining the intricate processes that shaped the development of technical education in Malta. By contributing a nuanced understanding of the socio-economic and, at times, political factors that influenced these educational frameworks, the paper aims to provide valuable insights into the historical underpinnings of apprenticeship schemes and work-based learning initiatives in Malta. Ultimately, this research enriches vocational education and training discourse, offering valuable insights for educators and stakeholders invested in enhancing employability education strategies.