On Thursday 8 March MCAST launched new foreign language proficiency courses for MCAST students. The launch was held at the MCAST Students' House in the presence of Evarist Bartolo, Minister of Education and Employment, Dr Silvio De Bono, President of the Board of Governors and Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal and CEO.

Following the successful implementation of foreign language proficiency programmes in State, Church and Independent Secondary Schools, the need was felt to introduce such programmes even at a tertiary level such as MCAST. The aim is to offer all students following a course at MCAST the opportunity to learn a foreign language during their free time.

These programmes have been introduced from January 2018 and there are already over 100 MCAST students who enrolled to learn either Italian or French or German. Spanish will be added during the next scholastic year. The courses offered are at MQF Level 1 and the students will, at the end of the academic year, be assessed on the four basic language skills. An accredited certification will be issued at the end of the course. It is envisaged that as from November 2018, foreign language proficiency courses will be offered even at MQF Levels 2 and 3.

Dr Silvio De Bono, President of the MCAST Board of Governors stated that there are significant demonstrated educational benefits from studying a second language. "MCAST is promoting the study of these foreign languages as we believe in the many benefits to the students as well as to the needs of the labour market. Language learning facilitates communication between peoples and countries, as well as encourages cross-border mobility and the integration of migrants. I am very happy to see that our MCAST students are being given the opportunity to discover the joys of learning foreign languages and I encourage more students to enroll."