Just a decade or so ago, the only ‘out’ for those who were not academically minded was a job in the Police Corps, the Armed Forces, or a placement in the dreaded and much snubbed Trade Schools.

Those who had a penchant for electronics could have opted for the decrepit Fellenberg ‘college’, but even so choice was limited. People could learn the trade of being panel beaters, carpenters, washing machine ‘fixers’, and other such trades which are rapidly losing (or have already lost) their relevance in today’s way of living.

A few years back, these trade schools were shut down, to choruses of disdain from the Labour Party, which under the leadership of Alfred Sant had argued that some people did not have academic qualities and needed an opportunity to learn a trade to earn a living.

The MCAST quickly mushroomed. At present, there are 6,000 students following a wide range of courses in various levels starting from foundation courses up to degree courses, in the ever increasing number of institutes forming part of this post-secondary institution. Established exactly 10 years ago, and starting with a humble 1,500 students, MCAST’s popularity over the years soared, with the problem being how to accommodate all the requests from students, the majority of whom probably would not have made it to Junior College or University.

It has proved to be so popular that a new campus costing a total of €120 million is being built to accommodate 10,000 students. It will house 17 buildings over an area of 60,000 square metres. Work on the first phase costing €22 million which includes a new students’ house, the institute of applied science and the institute of business and commerce is well under way with half of the concrete structures almost complete.

Since 2008, almost 9,000 students found a job after successfully graduating from this institution and all these jobs are in relevant, well-paid industries which offer prospects of advancement. Politicians always promote their successes, but in laying the foundation stone for the new campus, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi is justified in saying that setting up MCAST was a contributing factor in Malta having the fourth lowest unemployment rate among youths in the EU.

It is also a known fact that the MCAST boards meet regularly with employers as well as government officials to see exactly what is needed in terms of qualifications and experience, so as to ‘create’ job seekers that have the skills which are needed.

It is also true that MCAST is no longer catering for students who want a second chance in education but is attracting students who want to work in a field that does not require University education, but something different. Perhaps one could say that the real key to MCAST is the creativity it inspires among its students.

Nothing can substitute hard work and dedication, but in giving students the space to express themselves while learning in a hands-on manner, the authorities and the school’s board have really struck gold. The kids that come out of this college are immediately employable, or set up their own business and set out to contribute to our economy. The most important thing is to keep up to date and continue to adjust to modern day realities.