240 MCAST part-time courses starting this month
MCAST is currently accepting applications for part-time courses beginning in September. Through the publication of a booklet distributed to all families and businesses in Malta and Gozo, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) has just launched its list of 240 part-time courses beginning this September. Over 4,000 persons take up MCAST’s part-time evening courses every year. They offer training and qualifications to individuals, particularly those already in employment, who cannot follow full-time education. These training opportunities enable them to advance in their professional career, seek better jobs, or acquire new skills as a hobby. They are also popular among full-time students who opt for a part-time evening course to consolidate their knowledge in particular skills related to their main area of study.
The courses, which are co-ordinated by MCAST’s commercial arm MCAST Gateway to Industry Ltd., are held at nine different institutes in Malta and at the College’s two centres in Gozo. The list of classes beginning in September includes courses on a wide variety of topics; animal care, including exotic species, farming and gardening, flower arrangements, wine making, hair and beauty care, sign language, nutrition, interior and fashion design, training in the use of Adobe Photoshop as well as 3D design and video editing software, painting and sculpture, tailoring, welding, building and construction skills, tile laying, installation of alternative energy products, marketing, including online marketing, management, journalism, classes leading to the MATSEC Advanced and Intermediate Level exams, training in engineering machine tools, vehicle repair, electricity and plumbing, electronics, ICT, software, web design, and several maritime courses, ranging from the basic licence for boat handling in Maltese waters, to advanced training for workers in the shipping and port sectors.
A few months ago, MCAST started offering training to persons seeking employment in the growing alternative energy sector. The College held talks with the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and the Malta Resources Authority to design courses that prepare students with the necessary skills required by this sector.
These courses include the Solar Thermal Installers and the PV Installers part-time courses. Similar collaborations are held regularly with several organisations from various sectors. Most of the courses begin in September, while others are offered more regularly, sometimes even once a week, depending on demand. Some of the September courses are offered once again in March, when a new list of courses is issued.
MCAST’s mission has always been that to provide universally accessible vocational and professional education and training responsive to the needs of the individual and the economy. MCAST offers you the opportunity to take up a new hobby, explore your creative side, plan for a change in career, or simply acquire knowledge.
Visit www.mcastshortcourses.gov.mt in order to view the electronic prospectus for the Short Courses Unit at MCAST. This e-prospectus and information system details all part-time / short-courses offered at any of the institutes of the Vocational College or corporately under MCAST.
There are over 240 Courses available. Throughout your tour you will be able to find all the information you need to enrol, together with detailed course information.
Above are some examples of the courses available. Take your pick and apply online now.
MCAST - Institute of Art & Design
Art and Design are considered a competitive profession in which talent and technical skill must be developed to a high level if they are to be of any use in the employment market. Subject specialisation is therefore essential. Access, preparatory and foundation courses at the Institute of Art and Design set out to provide students with a sound base in visual and practical study and to develop the basic process of visual analysis and observation. Art, Craft and Design education therefore aims to train students with specific vocational and professional objectives.
Some of the courses available
are as follows...
• Ceramics - Intermediate 26 hours €120; Ceramics - Introduction 26 hours €110
• Drawing and Painting - Beginners; Lev.1 ECVET 4 credits 26 hours €110
• Drawing and Painting - Intermediate; Lev.2 ECVET 4 credits 26 hours €110
• Fashion Design; Lev. 1 ECVET 3 credits 26 hours €110
• History of Art - Introduction; Lev. 4 ECVET 3 credits 24 hours €140
• Interior Design and Decoration I; Lev.1 ECVET 3 credits 26 hours €110
MCAST - Institute of Information & Communication Technology
Information and Communication Technology is becoming increasingly important in many different aspects of our daily lives. The subjects taught during the courses provide the knowledge and understanding to work with technologies that are shaping the future and the world we live in. The Information Technology (ICT) in Malta has had a shortage of qualified personnel for a number of years. The diplomas (and short courses) in computing on offer at this Institute are designed to provide the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required for a successful career (and re-training) within this dynamic sector.
Courses available
• Technician - Lev. 3 ECVET credits 90 hours €315
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) 200 hours €850
• Secure PHP Web Development; Lev.4 ECTS 5 credits 30 hours €180
• Touch Typing; Lev. 2 ECVET 2 credits
12 hours €80
• Gathering and Processing of User Inputs - Introduction ; Lev.4 ECTS 5 credits 30 hours €180
• Building a Website - Introduction; Lev.4 ECVET 4 credits 25 hours €150
• Java Programming - Introduction; Lev. 4 ECVET 4 credits 25 hours €150
• Network Fundamentals; Lev.4 ECVET 10 credits 60 hours €390
• Object Oriented Programming - Introduction; Lev. 4 ECVET 4 credits
25 hours €145
• Photoshop Module 1; Lev. 4 ECVET 4 credits 24 hours €155.
MCAST - Institute of Community Services
The Institute of Community Services offers courses for students who are interested in giving essential services to the community in Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Caring, Sports and Leisure and Health.
Courses available
• Basic Academic Writing, Writing up Assignments and Dissertations -Lev.3 ECVET 4 credits 60 hours €350
• Beauty Therapy - Introduction; Lev. 2 ECVET 4 credits 30 hours €225
• Braiding and Plaiting in Upstyles - Lev. 3 ECVET 2 credits 25 hours €105
• Caring for Children and Young People - Lev. 5 ECTS 9 credits
60 hours €240
• Community Musicians - Lev.1 ECVET 3 credits 60 hours €350
• English for Employment within the Health and Social Care Sectors - Lev 3 ECVET 3 credits 50 hours €290
• Foundation Cutting Course -
60 hours €240
• Health Food Stores’ Personnel 40 hours €170.
Other courses are available at...
• MCAST - Agribusiness Institute
• MCAST - Electrical & Electronics Engineering Inst.
• MCAST - Gozo Centre (Xaghra)
• MCAST - Gozo Centre (Xewkija)
• MCAST - Institute of Building & Construction
• MCAST - Institute of Business & Commerce
• MCAST - Institute of Mechanical Engineering
• MCAST - The Maritime Institute
Applications
The detailed list of courses and the application form can be found on the booklet sent to all families and businesses, as well as on www.mcast.edu.mt. Prospective students can apply online on www.mcastshortcourses.gov.mt. Alternatively, they can hand in the application form at MCAST Main Campus, in Paola, by Friday 9 September.
More information can be obtained by telephone or email on 23987103 or [email protected].
MCAST’s career advisors, Josef Mizzi and Robert Cassar, talk to Erika Brincat
How do you advise students which courses are a good match for their individual strengths and abilities?
Several factors are at play. The choice of a part-time course is most often not directly related to the individual’s area of expertise or line of work. Most queries stem from the person’s interest or passion. Thus, when we meet a prospective student it is important to establish whether this interest is a wish or a need. We also try to bring together what the candidate is aiming for and what the skills and competences learnt and acquired throughout the course are.
Which criteria do you look out for to see whether a particular course is suitable for the individual?
The three criteria one has to keep in mind are the level of interest, the primary motivation and the time availability. When these three are in the right measures, they augur well for a healthy choice and the successful completion of a course.
Does a student have to have a certain background or some experience in the area he/she is applying for?
Not necessarily, most part-time courses do not require any form of competence or prior experience. However, there are courses which require either a formal qualification or some sort of experience in the related field so it is recommended that the individual seeks advice or carefully reads the course descriptions on our website.
Which courses are most in demand at the moment due to their high success rate for helping students to find employment?
The Maritime and Art & Design courses have long been popular. However an area of emergence is the Building and Construction Industry. The current decline in such industry has pressured the training needs to higher levels.
Are these courses available for students of all ages and can they come to you for advice before applications close on 9 September?
MCAST‘s mission statement mandated a universal accessible education process, thus no age limit is set. All persons over 16 may apply. Our career guidance service is offered preferably on appointment basis however ad hoc visits are generally accommodated. We are also available all year round to explain, assist and support candidates throughout their decision-making and also during the course.
Our daily hours are from 8.30am to 4pm. We can be reached on 2398 7135/6 or [email protected]
About MCAST
Established in 2001, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) is the country’s leading vocational education and training institution. Through its ten institutes in Malta and its Gozo Centre, MCAST offers 156 full-time and 240 part-time vocational courses ranging from certificates to degrees (from Level 1 to Level 6). Its 6,000 full-time and 4,000 part-time students are prepared for careers in industry, business or commerce or for higher education. The college works closely with local industries to ensure that the knowledge, skills and competencies within the curriculum are appropriate and relevant to a dynamic and forward-looking economy. This relationship stimulates the College’s success - its programmes are flexible, relevant and responsive to the needs of industries, which are constantly evolving to meet the challenges of a changing global economy.