Regulating construction industry: skills card aimed at combating employment abuse

The first batch of 16 construction workers were awarded their skill cards this afternoon.

The scheme – which was launched last year for plasterers, tile layers, assistant electricians and plumbers - intends to regulate the construction industry by giving workers colour coded cards, with different cards representing different levels of skills.

Addressing a press conference outside the American University of Malta building site in Cospicua, civil liberties minister Helena Dalli said that the cards will boost professionalism in the construction industry and allow consumers to ascertain the exact skills of the workers they hire.

Before receiving the card, the workers must also complete a module in health and safety, which Dalli said would serve to reduce construction accidents.

Labour MP Charles Buhagiar, the chairman of the Building Industry Consultative Council, said that the cards were also intended to clamp down on non-registered foreign construction workers offering their services illegally and on the cheap.

“We have no problem with foreign workers coming to Malta, but it is only fair that they compete with Maltese workers on a level playing field,” he said.

He added that the skill card scheme will soon also be extended to builders and workers involved in demolishing buildings and site excavations.