There were no schemes to incentivise the upskilling of workers.

What did the Budget speech say?

Finance Minister Clyde Caruana stressed the need to improve workers' skills and productivity and encouraged businesses to invest in technology and training. The speech referred to continuing Malta Enterprise incentives for digitalisation, automation and higher-value investment. It did not set out a named new scheme specifically for workforce upskilling, together with its funding and eligibility conditions.

This assessment concerns the Budget speech. It does not establish that the detailed estimates contain no training allocation or that no further scheme will be announced.

Was support already available?

Jobsplus launched Investing in Skills in September 2023. Its guidance says the scheme grants funds to eligible employers to improve their workforce's skills, with the aim of increasing productivity and adaptability. It is co-financed by the European Social Fund+, the Maltese Government and employers.

Jobsplus describes subsidies for eligible training and trainees' wage costs. The funding rate depends on the size of the undertaking, at 50% for large, 60% for medium and 70% for small employers, and the scheme has conditions on eligible applicants and training. Support for upskilling therefore predates the 2027 Budget; it was not a new announcement in the speech.

Will the existing scheme cover the transition?

Published 2023 guidance stated that, if funds remained available, applications could be submitted until 31 December 2026 and training had to be completed by 30 June 2027. It also allowed early closure if funds were fully committed. Jobsplus's page now links to guidance for a second call, dated 29 January 2026. We have not verified whether the scheme is currently accepting applications, whether funds remain, or whether its deadlines have since been changed.

The existence of a scheme does not establish that it is sufficient for businesses facing higher labour costs. Assessing that question requires evidence on funding, take-up, access, the types of training supported and whether other measures help firms invest and retain staff during the transition.

Evaluation

The claim is supported when it refers to the absence of a specific new workforce-upskilling scheme in the Budget speech. It needs context because an existing employer training scheme was already in place. The broader claim that no scheme existed is false. Whether existing support meets the needs of businesses and workers remains to be assessed.