MCAST celebrated the graduation of 649 students and 86 MCAST staff who successfully completed their Bachelor's Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes last year. During the seven ceremonies, being held on the 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, and 12 December 2014, 283 students were conferred with degrees while another 366 received their Higher National Diploma or other MQF Level 5 certificates. This represents an 11% increase over the number of student graduates at Degree level compared to last year. 86 MCAST Staff obtained a Level 6 a Graduate Teaching Certificate in Vocational Education and Training.
The first graduates, students from the Institute of Business and Commerce on Wednesday 3rd December, were conferred with Bachelor of Arts Honours in Business Enterprise degrees during the first ceremony, at the Main Hall at MCAST - Paola. On the following days students from the Institutes of Agribusiness, Applied Science, Building and Construction Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Art and Design, Information and Communication Technology, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Maritime, and Community Services, received Degrees and diplomas respectively.
During Wednesday's ceremony, Keith Cortis, who read for a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Enterprise, addressed the guests on behalf of all graduates. He spoke of his journey at MCAST where he started his studies following and now successfully completed his degree. He spoke of the journey that lead to this special day, the importance of the dissertation and the great team of staff at the Institute.
Mr Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal and CEO stated in his address that MCAST is now one of the main pillars of higher education in Malta offering an alternative route that provides opportunities for all students who wish to further their studies. He mentioned that the College provides students with both the academic and practical/applied side of education preparing them for the world of work and at the same time focussing on their holistic development. Mr Cachia mentioned the future plans of the College which are currently being realised. These include the building of a new Campus, the projects to renew the College's curriculum at all levels, the consolidation of the student support services, the increase of students' participation in College life through the Student Council and other student organizations and the strengthening of stakeholder relationships. He ended by congratulating the graduates on their achievements and thanked all MCAST staff members for continuously supporting the College's students.
Education and Employment Minister Evarist Bartolo, Dr Silvio Debono President MCAST Board of Governors, Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal and CEO, Emmanuel Attard MCAST CAO, Anthony Saliba, MCAST Deputy Principal, Vince Maione, MCAST Deputy Principal and Ronald Curmi, MCAST Registrar, presented the certificates to students who completed courses within the Institute of Business and Commerce.
During the ceremonies the College will also present Awards for Outstanding Performance to students who excelled during their studies at the College.