BCA to roll out skill cards and national building code as construction reforms accelerate
The BCA will introduce mandatory skill cards and a national building code next year, as part of a broader regulatory overhaul of Malta's construction sector.
The Building and Construction Authority is accelerating its regulatory overhaul of Malta's construction sector, with mandatory skill cards and a national building code set to roll out next year.
The BCA outlined the reforms during an employee awards ceremony, where Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction sector Jonathan Attard reiterated the authority's push to become a serious, credible, and citizen-friendly regulator.
Attard said the BCA's success is the result of courageous decisions, continued investment, and collective commitment. He stressed that reforms aim to change both the law and the industry's mentality, creating a new culture of responsibility and higher standards.
The minister pointed to the Paceville operation as an example of the authority working efficiently to protect public health and safety. He also highlighted the importance of continuous training, noting the Diploma in Construction Management offered with the University of Malta.
New schemes will be introduced in the coming year to strengthen the government's commitment to sustainability and efficiency, Attard announced.
BCA Chief Executive Roderick Bonnici said the authority is undergoing a digital reform, including the digitisation of systems and documents such as the site responsibility form used by architects.
"This year has been impactful on the industry, through the licensing of contractors and masons, and we will continue to build on these successes during next year. In fact, our aim is for every worker in the industry to have the necessary knowledge. This year we focused on strengthening the education sector, as next year we will be running the skill cards process," Bonnici said.
He added that work will continue on the first national building and construction code, which should serve as a guideline and eventually become law for all operators in the sector.
For Malta's construction industry, the reforms mean tighter compliance requirements and a formalised workforce. Developers and contractors will need to ensure their workers hold skill cards and that projects meet the forthcoming national code.
The BCA's push for digitalisation and higher standards signals a lasting shift in how the sector is regulated, with implications for project timelines, costs, and operational practices.