A study in the development of a portfolio for employability in Malta : thanks to schooling or in spite of it?

Abstract

The study explores the link between education and employment. It investigates whether technical expertise and proficiency in employment-soft-skills are major factors sought by employers. The work focuses on one aviation company - Medavia - and explores the recruitment strategies, job progression, training and development, and outsourcing opportunities of this Organisation. In the process, the work also addresses how employees acquire employability skills. The results point to the fact that apart from literacy skills, computer knowledge and technical expertise, employers also look for employment-soft-skills. The findings also indicate that a specialised career in aviation requires sound technical education and sustains the positive relationship between education and employability. The work also reports advantages for individuals who invest in life long learning and concludes that those employees who receive training in their current job have better opportunities for employment.