Mr Clayton Micallef Grimaud
Senior Director (Organisational Culture & Corporate Affairs)
Clayton Micallef Grimaud currently holds the position of Senior Director (Organisational Culture & Corporate Affairs) at the National Skills Council, where he brings his experience and expertise to the forefront of educational and workforce development.
Previously, he was the Managing Director of Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Kalkara, where he overseed, coordinated, and strategically directed the operations of the Centre, fostering an environment of interactive and engaging science education and public engagement.
Clayton graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, a Master of Education Degree in Science Education, and a Post-graduate Certificate in Evidence-based Management & Effective Decision Making. Furthering his academic pursuits, Clayton also completed a Master of Science Degree in Marketing Management with the University of Chester and Post-Graduate studies in HR and Nutrition.
NCGN Committee
Chairperson
Ms Erica Falzon
Manager (Change Management)
Erica Falzon has over 10 years of experience in both formal and non-formal education. She currently works at the National Skills Council Malta, where she holds both external and internal-facing roles. Externally, she coordinates the National Career Guidance Network and leads projects focused on career guidance and stakeholder engagement. Internally, she supports organisational change and learning and development initiatives.
Previously, she headed the education team at Esplora Interactive Science Centre and spent several years working in content development, designing programmes and events, delivering training, managing projects, and organising outreach.
With an academic background in education, Erica has held roles in teaching, science
communication, project management and event coordination. She is passionate about supporting skills development and creating opportunities for people to work together through public engagement practices.
National Skills Council
NCGN Committee Deputy
Chairperson
Dr John Bartolo
Director MCAST Outreach Services and Student Affairs
John Bartolo started his teaching career in 1984 and taught the Maltese Language, Religious Knowledge and Life skills at various State schools. He is a part time visiting lecturer at the University of Malta.
In 2001 he occupied the role of a Career Guidance and Counsellor at the Malta College of Arts Science and Technology.
John has been appointed Director of Students Support Services in 2008, a role that he still occupies to date.
He successfully completed his Doctorate in Education, University of Sheffield, with specific interest in the inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers in vocational educational programmes.
Malta College of Arts,
Science, and Technology
(MCAST)
Ms Dorianne Gravina
Education Officer - Career Guidance
Dorianne Gravina is an Education Officer in Career Guidance within the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation. Her role involves issuing guidelines
and preparing policies to strengthen the service at a national level. She led the working group that outlined the Rationale and Framework for Career Education in Maltese Schools and Colleges (2013), which resulted in the introduction of career education
within the subject Personal, Social and Career Development. She was also involved in drafting the Learning Outcomes Framework for the subject.
Dorianne was a member of the Careers Guidance Policy Working Group that developed the National Career Guidance Policy and Strategy for Compulsory Schooling in Malta(2007). She has represented Malta in several international networks, including the ELGPN,
Cedefop, and currently the Euroguidance Network. A qualified teacher, she holds a Diploma in Occupational Guidance and Career Counselling from the University of Malta and a Master of Arts in Education (Guidance Studies) from the University of Derby.
Dorianne teaches career guidance theories at the University of Malta and is a foundingmember and current Chairperson of the Malta Career Guidance Association.
Wellbeing Services Directorate
(and Euroguidance Malta)
Ms Ilaria Spiteri Axiaq
misco Senior Advisor
Ilaria is a Senior Advisor at misco. She joined in 2019 while completing her Masters in
Education.
She is currently reading for a Professional Research Doctorate (DRes) on the Competitive Behavior of Small Organisations with MCAST. At misco, she takes pride in
working across all units including market research and HR/business advisory with main
focus spent on the training and development unit. Ilaria is also a trainer with misco, specialising in areas of Management and Leadership, Communication, Interpersonal Relationships, Selling Techniques, Project Management, Training and Development,
Talent Development and Job Coaching.
Ilaria forms part of Malta Chamber of Commerce’s Young Chamber Network (YCN) promoting and supporting networking and collaboration amongst young individuals across the spectrum of enterprises and organisations in Malta. She is also part of MFHEA’s Advisory and Steering Committees representing further and higher education institutions.
MFHEA Advisory Committee
Ms Ylenia Vella
Unit Manager, Jobseeker Advisory Services & Project Leader Youth Guarantee 3.0
Ylenia Vella is a results-oriented professional with over 17 years of experience in career guidance and human resources, including 12 years in management roles.
Currently serving as the Unit Manager for Jobseeker Advisory Services and Project Leader for Youth Guarantee 3.0 at Jobsplus Malta, she leads a team of 20 advisors, pioneering strategies that enhance client services and operational efficiency.
With expertise in project management, team leadership, and training development, Ylenia has successfully implemented strategic initiatives such as an automated job-matching system and expanded stakeholder engagement.
Holding a Master’s degree in Sociology, her commitment to continuous learning and adaptability underpins her success in fostering innovation and delivering impactful solutions in the employment and career guidance sector.
Jobsplus Malta
Ms Angela Jones
Guidance Coordinator (Lifelong Learning)
Angela Jones is a dedicated educator with over 15 years of experience in adult education. She combines expertise in teaching, management, and learner support to foster inclusive learning environments.
Holding degrees in Education, Environmental and Intercultural Studies, and Social Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties, Angela has led initiatives supporting learners with diverse needs.
She previously headed a centre for girls with behavioural and mental health challenges. She holds a Diploma in Adult Education and has designed and overseen community courses promoting lifelong learning.
For the past five years, she has served as Coordinator for Guidance Practitioners within the Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Employability, mentoring professionals who support adult learners' personal and educational development.
The Directorate for
Lifelong Learning and
Employability (DLE)
Ms Audrey Buhagiar
Manager Student Support Services
Ms. Audrey Buhagiar is the Student Support Services Department Manager at the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS).
Her role is to ensure that ITS offers the best service to the students by adopting a student-centered approach, since she believes that every student is important and that each and every one has diverse qualities to make a difference in their learning environment. It is also her department’s mission and promise to support students holistically with any situation they may experience. This support ranges from career guidance, to personal wellbeing sessions.
Audrey’s duty is also to help the students experience a sense of belonging at ITS. This is carried out by practicing inclusion and tackling any discrimination or bullying. Since ITS is an educational setting, she ensures that the department’s practices align with ITS’ core values, as outlined in ITS’ policies and procedures. In order to reach this objective, she works hand in hand with many other departments internally and also externally, to make sure that all students feel well supported.
Institute of Tourism
Studies (ITS)
Ms Graziella Bugeja
Manager Student Affairs
Graziella Bugeja is the Manager Student Affairs at the Institute for Education, where she oversees student support services and provides academic and vocational guidance.
With experience as a career guidance practitioner in compulsory education, she brings valuable insight into identifying career pathways that support holistic student development.
She holds a postgraduate qualification in Lifelong Career Guidance and Development and has a strong interest in the evolving labour market and the essential skills needed to thrive in emerging industries.
Her work focuses on fostering career readiness and lifelong learning, ensuring that students receive the support and guidance necessary to navigate their educational and professional journeys.
Institute for Education
(IfE)
Ms Deborah Schranz
PSCD and Career Guidance teacher
Ms Debbie Schranz is a dedicated PSCD and career guidance teacher with 20 years of experience at St. Michael Foundation. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with students, supporting their overall well-being and helping them explore their strengths and interests to make informed personal, social, academic and career choices.
She has recently graduated as a Gestalt psychotherapist. Known for her compassionate and student-centered approach, she has played a key role in guiding young people through personal development and future planning. Her work is grounded in empathy, strong communication, and a deep commitment to each student’s growth.
Over the years, she has contributed significantly to fostering a supportive and nurturing school environment. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys swimming and walking, which reflect her appreciation for balance and wellness. With a passion for helping others reach their full potential, she continues to be a trusted mentor and positive influence in the lives of many.
Independent Schools
Association (ISA)
Mr Aaron Cachia
Career Guidance Professional
Aaron Cachia is a dedicated career guidance professional with over 4 years of experience
working under OPM at the Institute for the public service known as IPS.
Career guidance at OPM focuses on adults working within the public service who are in difficulty to transition to another job, are looking for ways to advance in their career or would like to further their studies.
Aaron Cachia holds a B.A. in Arts with a focus on Psychology and Philosophy, which deepened his understanding of human behaviour and decision-making. Building on this, he pursued a Master of Science in Human Resource Management and Training, further enhancing their expertise in career development and organisational growth.
His combined academic background and professional experience enable him to provide insightful, personalised guidance to individuals seeking meaningful career paths and professional advancement. .
Institute for the Public Services
(IPS)
Mr Noel Debono
FHRD President
With over 15 years of experience in Human Resources, Noel Debono is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in driving strategic HR initiatives.
As President of the Foundation for Human Resources Development (FHRD), he is passionate about advancing the HR profession and fostering a dynamic and engaged workforce. His expertise spans various areas, including talent acquisition, employee development, organisational design, and change management.
Noel has successfully led HR functions in diverse sectors, consistently delivering impactful results and exceeding organisational objectives.
He is a results-oriented and collaborative leader with a strong commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Foundation for Human
Resources Development
(FHRD)
Ms Carmen Dimech
Assistant General Secretary
During a teaching career spanning 42 years, she served as a Guidance teacher before being appointed Head of Department for Guidance and PSCD in Church Schools. During this time, she was involved in organising various career guidance activities.
In 2017, she was appointed General Secretary of the MUT, a role she held until her retirement in 2021, after which she joined the MUT Retired Educators Sector Committee. She represented the MUT at conferences both locally and abroad.
She was also a member of the Council for the Teaching Profession, the National Board for Compulsory Education, and served on various MATSEC boards. She was involved in the review of several schools.
Since January 2025, she has resumed work at MUT as Assistant General Secretary.
Malta Union of Teachers (MUT)
Mr Daniel Borg
Chief Executive Officer
Daniel Borg graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Public and Private Sector Administration in 2004, and a Master of Arts in Public Policy in 2013.
Before becoming CEO of the Gozo Business Chamber, he held various roles in the Maltese public sector: Research Analyst at the Management Efficiency Unit (Office of the Prime Minister), Policy Analyst at the Malta Communications Authority, and Senior Policy Analyst at the Ministry for Gozo. Between 2014 and 2017, he lectured in Public Management at the University of Malta’s Department of Public Policy.
Daniel has published and presented papers on cultural heritage and tourism in international academic journals and conferences, and written articles on Gozo’s economic development for various local publications.
He currently serves as a board member of the Gozo Regional Development Authority and sits on the technical committee of INSULEUR (Insular Chambers of Commerce of the European Union).
Gozo Business Chamber
Mr Kevin Mizzi
Head of Policy
Kevin Mizzi holds a Master’s degree in European Studies from the University of Malta (2004) and previously earned his undergraduate degree in the same field (2001).
His research focused on the management of EU Structural and Cohesion Funds. Professionally, Kevin has experience in policy development, political strategy, communications, business advisory, EU affairs lobbying, and funding projects.
Since June 2022, he has served as Head of Policy Development at The Malta Chamber, leading policy agendas, stakeholder outreach, and public consultation responses.
Previously, he was Manager of Member & Stakeholder Relations (2021–2022), supporting businesses through advisory and matchmaking events. From 2017 to 2020, as an Executive in the Projects and Internationalisation Department, he facilitated trade missions and EU funding opportunities. His work consistently focuses on fostering business growth and internationalisation.
The Malta Chamber
Mr Jamie Tanti
Manager (Change Management)EU Affairs and Funding Executive
Mr Tanti serves as the EU Affairs & Funding Executive at the Malta Chamber of SMEs. He holds a Bachelor's degree in European Studies with Maltese and a Master's degree in European Economics and Law from the University of Malta.
In his role at the Chamber, Mr Tanti oversees all EU-related matters, ensuring that the organisation and its members remain well-informed and actively engaged in European initiatives.
His responsibilities include preparing and submitting EU project applications, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, and managing end-to-end processes for successful implementation.
He also coordinates delegations to represent the Chamber and its members at EU-level discussions. Additionally, Mr Tanti provides personalised support to members, guiding them through the process of identifying and accessing funding opportunities.
Malta Chamber of SMEs
Ms Joanne Bondin
President MEA
With over 20 years of consultancy experience, Ms. Joanne Bondin has advised small, medium, and large enterprises on change management, organisational restructuring, strategic talent acquisition, and operational efficiency.
She also specialises in business planning, EU funding, corporate governance, family business planning, employer branding strategies, job evaluations, and employee engagement. Ms. Bondin has been appointed President of the Malta Employers’ Association (MEA), after serving on its Council for several years.
Her leadership reflects her dedication to supporting businesses in achieving their strategic objectives. Since joining MISCO in 2006, she has held various roles, becoming Director of
MISCO Consulting and HR Outsourcing & Temping Services Limited in 2017.
She also delivers soft skills training programs. Ms. Bondin holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (ILM) and a Degree in Psychology from the University of Malta. She is a certified recruiter and a member of REC, CIPD, IRP, and BPS.
Malta Employers
Association
Mr Stephen Camilleri
Education Officer- PSCD
Mr Stephen Camilleri is a professional counsellor and Education Officer for Personal, Social, and Career Development (PSCD) with the Directorate for Early Years, Languages, and Humanities.
He also serves as a visiting lecturer at the University of Malta. A founding member of the Executive Council of the Malta Association for the Counselling Profession (MACP), he has also contributed to the Children and Young Persons Advisory Board.
His interests include PSCD, emotional literacy, career education, sexuality education, relationships, and dyslexia. In 2018, he received the Social Impact Award alongside the Forever Friends Foundation for developing an educational tool that enhances emotional literacy and conflict resolution in children and youths.
As coordinator of the BeSmartOnline project on internet safety, he has created interactive resources to develop students’ critical and media literacy skills. Mr Camilleri has significantly influenced career guidance policies in schools, promoting this field through
collaboration with professionals.
Expert - MEYR
Professor Manwel Debono
Associate Professor, University of Malta
Professor Manwel Debono is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist (British Psychological Society) with a PhD specialising in career choice. He practised career guidance at the University of Malta for three years before joining the Centre for Labour Studies in 2003, where he has worked ever since as an academic.
Between 2009 and 2014, he served as Director of the Centre, where he was instrumental in developing various programmes of study, including the Master in Lifelong Career Guidance and Development.
With a research career spanning over two decades, he has been involved in numerous national and European research projects on topics such as career guidance and development, industrial relations, working conditions, and human resources.
He has published extensively, including peerreviewed papers, reports, monographs, chapters, and books. Notably, he co-authored Malta’s Career Guidance Policy for Schools (2007) and conducted several tracer studies on University of Malta graduates.
Expert - UM