Qualifications Mismatch

Introduction

Skills mismatch refers to gaps and imbalances in skills available in the labour market.  These include over- or under-qualification, labour market shortages or surpluses for specific  qualifications or skills, hiring difficulties, and underemployment or unemployment for specific qualifications or skills. Different groups within the labour force may be affected, and different sectors or occupations may encounter more problems than others (Kriechel & Vetter, 2019).

Qualification mismatch was calculated using Labour Force Survey (LFS) data for 2021. The following core variables were used: highest level of education, field of education, and occupation in the main job. Two main dimensions of qualification mismatch have been analysed, Vertical Mismatch and Horizontal Mismatch. In addition, further analysis on Overall Qualification Mismatch in Malta was conducted.

More information relating to the methodology used in this report may be accessed from the following link.