Business-Booming Malta – A Step Towards Professional Growth

Malta is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, rapid economic growth, and a strong demand for trainees. While Finland faces economic stagnation, businesses in the heart of the Mediterranean are actively seeking talent, new ideas, and international expertise.
I witnessed this first-hand during my teacher exchange in Malta, where I visited local educational institution and StageMalta’s extensive internship network.

A labour shortage that opens doors

StageMalta is a public organisation that coordinates student internships across various companies. The network spans across the different business types. Stage Malta works under the Chamber of Commerce.

I had the pleasure of being accompanied by Stage Malta to the company visit. We met with organisations such as the Embassy Valletta Hotel, Alter Domus, Thomas Smith Group, and Communique. The experiences varied – some companies would be ideal for Finnish vocational business students, while others required more specialised skills.

The hospitality and marketing sectors stood out clearly.
At the Embassy Hotel, a trainee could work in marketing, social media, or reception duties.
At Communique – a small, creative agency – tasks would involve content creation, visual marketing, and brand development.

StageMalta – a model of cooperation

StageMalta’s operations made a strong impression. The organisation took care of all practical arrangements, transportation, and company contacts. Every meeting was well prepared, and the host companies knew exactly why we were visiting.

There is much Finland could learn from the Maltese model:

“A Chamber of Commerce-type internship coordinator could also be a solution in Finland.
When companies, schools, and students meet within the same network, everyone benefits.”

Here, the need for labour is genuine – and trainees are truly valued.

Stage Malta. From left: Martha Marie Gauci, Hannu Okkonen and Samuel Spaho.

A more formal – and efficient – work culture

In Maltese working life, schedules and dress codes are taken seriously.
The working week is typically 40 hours, with office hours from 8–16 or 9–17, and “casual Friday” is an exception rather than the norm. Internships usually last three to four months.
The first month is often spent on orientation, and only after that do students fully get into the rhythm of work. This is an important insight for the Finnish education system too – joining an international workplace takes time.

Ambassador hotel. From left: Samuel Spaho, Hannu Okkonen and Chris Borg.

Lessons from Malta for Finland

Malta’s private-sector training network is an inspiring example of how vocational education and business can be seamlessly integrated.

What if Finland also had a “business school” operating under the Chamber of Commerce –
an organisation responsible for managing networks of interns and exchange students?

Such a structure could revitalise cooperation between education and working life and provide students with more genuine international opportunities. Malta has one vocational school, which is MCAST. MCAST offers a broad selection of studies all the way to bachelors and masters. I had the joy to meet two of the international coordinators and tour around the Business and Management faculty.

Mcast. From left: Silvana Pisciotti, Jessica Silva and Hannu Okkonen.

Internship in Malta – an investment in your own growth

For Finnish students, Malta offers a safe, English-speaking, and international environment in which to gain experience in fast-growing industries.

An internship here is more than just an overseas experience – it is a real step towards professional development.

In Malta, doors open for those who are ready to work, learn, and make an impression.
It is a place where a traineeship can become the turning point of a career.

Telephonebooth + streets of Malta.

Mr. Hannu Okkonen
Vocational teacher, Qualification in Business
Careeria, Finland