Can Malta’s Culinary Scene Tackle Youth Unemployment?
The article explores Malta's rising youth unemployment crisis, highlighting the potential of the food and hospitality sectors to address both joblessness and mental health challenges. It emphasizes the loss of early work opportunities, such as part-time roles in restaurants, which once helped young people build confidence and life skills. By engaging youth in Malta's culinary traditions—through apprenticeships, mentorships, and food-related ventures—there is an opportunity to foster independence, healthier lifestyles, and a deeper connection to the island's heritage. The piece calls for a holistic approach involving parents, educators, and policymakers to support balanced work and academic experiences, positioning Malta's vibrant food culture as a key driver for youth empowerment and community well-being.
Title: Unlocking the Potential of Malta’s Youth: How Work, Nutrition, and Mindful Living Can Address Unemployment and Mental Health Challenges
Figures from earlier this year revealed a concerning rise in unemployment among young people aged 16-24, with nearly one million classified as Neets (not in education, employment, or training). This represents a 42% increase over the past three years, with young men disproportionately affected—150,000 more male Neets than female. While pandemic-related disruptions, mental health struggles, and a lack of targeted initiatives have been blamed for this trend, the reality is far more complex.
For Malta, a nation renowned for its vibrant culinary heritage and focus on community, this issue presents a unique opportunity to rethink how we approach youth employment and mental health—starting with food, lifestyle, and work-related experiences. After all, the journey to independence and well-being often begins with the simple acts of responsibility, healthy eating, and purposeful activity.
The Disappearance of Early Work Experience
A decade ago, part-time jobs like waiting tables, stacking shelves, or helping out in local cafés were a rite of passage for teenagers. These jobs helped young people gain vital skills, build confidence, and develop a sense of independence. Today, these opportunities have largely disappeared, either due to legal restrictions or cultural shifts. Many parents and schools now discourage part-time work, fearing it might distract from academics or expose teens to risks.
This loss of early work experience has created a gap in personal and professional development. In Malta, where small businesses and family-run restaurants thrive, these traditional roles could play a significant part in bridging the divide. Imagine the impact of teenagers gaining hands-on experience in Malta’s culinary scene—learning not just the art of food preparation but also the importance of teamwork, customer service, and sustainability in the kitchen. Such roles could not only reignite their enthusiasm for work but also foster a deeper connection to Malta’s food culture.
Food and Mental Health: A Missed Opportunity
The rise in youth unemployment is closely linked to deteriorating mental health, with many young people experiencing anxiety, low confidence, and a lack of direction. However, one often overlooked factor in addressing these challenges is the role of nutrition and mindful living.
Malta’s Mediterranean diet is celebrated globally for its health benefits, particularly its positive impact on mental well-being. Yet, young people often gravitate toward convenience foods and energy drinks, which can exacerbate feelings of stress and fatigue. By promoting healthier eating habits—through initiatives in schools, community centres, and even local restaurants—Malta has an opportunity to tackle both unemployment and mental health simultaneously.
For instance, young Neets could be introduced to roles in Malta’s thriving restaurant sector, not just as a way to gain employment but as a pathway to understanding the value of nutritious food. From farm-to-table concepts to learning about the island’s seasonal ingredients, engaging youth in the culinary world could empower them to make healthier choices while gaining valuable life skills.
Overcoming Barriers to Employment
Legal restrictions and parental concerns often prevent teenagers from accessing work opportunities, even when they are eager to contribute. Employers in Malta’s restaurant and hospitality sectors could play a pivotal role in breaking down these barriers. For example, offering apprenticeships tailored to under-18s, with a focus on safety, education, and skill-building, could open the door to meaningful employment.
Take Mark*, a 15-year-old aspiring mechanic who struggled to find work due to legal restrictions. Imagine if he had the chance to apprentice in a kitchen or a bakery—learning transferable skills like precision, teamwork, and time management. Such opportunities would not only build confidence but also instill a sense of pride in contributing to Malta’s vibrant food culture.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset
Today’s youth, particularly Gen Z and Generation Alpha, are drawn to entrepreneurial ventures and digital platforms. Their heroes are often influencers, tech moguls, or social media stars—figures who seem to promise quick success. While this ambition can be inspiring, it often lacks the grounding that comes from real-world experience.
In Malta, the entrepreneurial mindset could be nurtured alongside traditional work-based skills. For example, young people could be encouraged to launch food-related ventures such as pop-up restaurants, sustainable catering services, or even digital platforms promoting Maltese cuisine. By combining their tech-savvy nature with hands-on experience in food and hospitality, Malta’s youth could redefine success in ways that align with the island’s values of health, community, and sustainability.
Reconnecting Generations Through Food
One of the most significant challenges in addressing youth unemployment is the disconnect between generations. Traditional career advice often feels outdated, while emerging industries like digital content creation remain misunderstood by older generations. Food, however, is a universal connector—and Malta’s culinary traditions could serve as a bridge.
Imagine mentorship programmes where seasoned restaurateurs and chefs guide young people not only in culinary techniques but also in life skills like perseverance, creativity, and leadership. These intergenerational exchanges could reignite enthusiasm for hard work while preserving Malta’s rich food heritage.
A Call to Action
To address the growing crisis of youth unemployment and mental health, Malta must embrace a holistic approach—one that combines work opportunities, healthy living, and cultural empowerment. Restaurants, cafés, and food-related businesses have a unique role to play in this transformation, providing not just jobs but also a sense of purpose and community.
The first step could be as simple as encouraging teenagers to take on part-time roles in the food sector, where they can gain early work experience while learning about nutrition and sustainability. Parents, educators, and policymakers must also recognise the value of these opportunities, shifting their mindset to support a balanced approach to academics and work.
For Malta’s youngest generations, the journey to success may start with something as humble as pulling pints or waiting tables—but it could lead to a lifetime of confidence, independence, and contribution to the island’s thriving culture of health and hospitality.
*Names have been changed to protect identities.