MCAST is currently receiving online applications for over 260 part-time courses starting in October, through its website www.mcast.edu.mt.

Adults and young learners over the age of 16 may apply for these hands-on courses to acquire new skills and qualifications and advance in their careers. Lessons are held in the evening or on Saturday mornings, a convenient option for individuals who cannot engage in full-time educational programmes due to employment, business, family or other commitments. Applicants also benefit from several additional resources, including detailed class notes and free use of the MCAST libraries.

The list of courses starting in October includes 16 new programmes. These are Pharmacy Technology, Applied Laboratory Science, MCAST-BTEC Higher National Diploma in Applied Chemistry, Photography – Introduction, Filmmaking – Introduction, Interview and Presentation Techniques for TV, Studio Based Photography, Photoshop for Photographers, Stage Set Design, Dry Stone Wall Restoration (Restawr tal-Hitan tas-Sejjieh) – Part 2, Plumbing Installations using Fusion Welded Pipes and Fittings, Emotional Intelligence in Relationships, The Internet – Introduction, Automotive Refrigerant Handling – Compliant with (EC 842-2006) & Directive 2006/40/EC, and Light Vehicle Automatic Transmission Gearbox. The MCAST Gozo Centre is adding Make-Up Techniques Advanced to the list of part-time courses offered in Gozo.

There are also courses in astronomy, decontamination sciences, animal care, gardening, horticulture, wine making and tasting, art, interior design, fashion design, jewellery making, tailoring, video and photo editing, pottery and ceramics, stained glass, AutoCAD, welding, DIY, stone masonry and construction qualifications, woodwork, LPG and refrigeration systems, lift installation and servicing, renewable energy technologies, business, management, marketing and banking skills, make-up techniques, beauty therapy and hair care, sports psychology, sign language, electrical and electronic technologies, web and software development and programming, PC repairs, car maintenance and engineering machine skills. The MCAST Maritime Institute also offers part-time courses leading to the acquisition of licences required to operate sea vessels or to work in the maritime sector.

Thousands of learners have completed these courses in recent years. Leticia Buhagiar, 26, chose an MCAST part-time course to acquire a professional qualification in accounting. “I work as a manager and through these classes I can better understand the significance of the accounting tasks related to my job,” she explains. Kevin Apap, 36, wanted to do something completely different to his profession: “Learning interior design was a new challenge for me, but I’m really enjoying it. I look forward to completing my training to start giving my home a new look!” Maria Grazia Dingli, 56, has been managing her own hairdressing salon for several years. This has not stopped her from completing several part-time courses at MCAST. She says that “through this training I keep myself updated with the latest techniques, whilst improving my management skills. This ensures that I continue to enhance the quality of service to my clients.” Kyle Falzon, 18, completed a part-time course to find out more about auto mechanics: “Visiting MCAST’s workshops to learn how engines work was a very interesting experience. Now that I have discovered what this type of work involves, I’m going to continue studying to find a job as a car mechanic.”

The details of each course are available on www.mcast.edu.mt, where one can also book a course by applying online. 

Course details and a printed application are also available in the MCAST September 2013 Part-Time Courses Booklet which was posted to all homes and businesses in Malta and Gozo this month. This booklet may also be obtained from any local council office, from the MCAST Main Campus in Paola or from the MCAST Gozo Centres in Xaghra and Xewkija.

Prospective students may also fill in the printed application form and send it to the Office of Part-Time Courses, MCAST Main Campus, Corradino Hill, Paola PLA 9032. Alternatively, they may submit the application form at the MCAST Main Campus, between 2 and 13 September 2013, on weekdays from 0830hrs to 1900hrs.   

For further details or advice about these courses, contact MCAST on 2398 7103 / 7116 or [email protected].

MCAST’s part-time training programmes are managed by the College’s commercial arm MCAST Gateway to Industry Ltd. It offers over 300 different part-time courses every year, through two intakes, in March and in September.