On 24 July the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) will start accepting applications from students who are considering joining the college for the academic year 2006-2007.
Education Minister Louis Galea yesterday presided over the launch of MCAST’s sixth prospectus since its inauguration in October 2001. The college has since then expanded to incorporate nine institutes as well as the Gozo Centre, offering 89 full-time courses in Malta and 13 in Gozo besides a very wide range of short-courses, including ESF (European Social Fund) courses specifically targeted at mature students.
Dr Galea said the college is continually responding to the changing requirements of industry, business and commerce that are due to an upsurge in economic activity. The network of partnership links go beyond the developments with industry and also include NGOs in order to strengthen the college’s capacity to offer vocational work experience and engage with the wider community.
During the month of July, the college will be holding its annual information talks to prospective students and parents. This provides an ideal opportunity for students and parents to find out more about the college and discuss the different career paths available.
Minister Galea said that MCAST is the living proof of the government’s vision and commitment in the field of vocational and professional education and training. During 2005-6, the population of full-time students approached 4,000 students, a clear indication of the goodwill that the college has garnered over these years. Dr Galea said that in fact, within a few years, MCAST succeeded in putting vocational education and training in the forefront of the education sector and elevated the status and esteem of vocational education and training. He said that at the same time, MCAST increased the number and the levels of the courses offered while ensuring progression at the different levels and multiple entry and exit points within the different levels. MCAST now offers Higher National Diplomas which are one step away from a degree, last January the first 570 students obtained their Higher National Diplomas.
Minister Galea said that MCAST is very sensitive to the changing economic environment and is working hard to satisfy the demands of a dynamic industry. He mentioned as examples the pharmaceutical, aircraft maintenance, manufacturing, ICT, call handling, care and childcare sectors as areas where MCAST has developed new courses to meet demands of emerging sectors. He said that although the college is currently in a consolidation phase, it was once again increasing its courses this year with two new courses, the MCAST /BTEC First Diploma in Animal Care – Animal Care, Vet Assistant and Veterinary nursing; and the BTEC Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
College principal Frank Edwards said that although the college is issuing its prospectus now, last March the college held a successful vocational training exhibit at the Trade Fair Grounds, Naxxar. The aim of this fair was to promote vocational training courses, to promote continuous professional development and to engage with industry. Mr Edwards said that as part of the strategy to provide vocational and professional education for all, MCAST has broadened its training provision and services aimed at becoming the Vocational Training Institution for Industry.
Mr Edwards added that the college is committed to providing students with opportunities that help them develop on a personal level. During this academic year, 64 students participated in international programmes, 34 on Leonardo da Vinci mobility programmes and 30 on Comenius projects. Students were also given the opportunity to participate in sports activities, voluntary work and spiritual activities.
Minister Galea said that in the meantime, government was continuing with its capital investment programme at MCAST particularly at the main campus in corradino but also in its satellite campuses. This year, the college inaugurated a modern library and resource centre and improved facilities at each off-site institute and centre. A new canteen and a students’ house together with the administration block building are expected to be completed in the coming months. Work is well under way to also complete the new building which will house the Institute of Community Care within the Corradino campus.
The MCAST prospectus is available for all those who are interested in MCAST’s courses, particularly those students who have just finished their secondary schooling. Copies of the prospectus may be collected from the Information and Support Centre, MCAST Main Campus, Corradino Hill, Paola, or from any local council. One can also visit the MCAST website, www.mcast.edu.mt, for a digital copy.
The college provides information talks and guidance services to prospective students to help them make the right choices. Interested persons may phone on Tel: 2398-7100 or send an email to [email protected] to fix an appointment.
Applications will be received between Monday 24 July and Friday 28 between 8.30am and 12:30pm.