It is clear that we are living in a day and age where people are more conscious about the natural environment. People are more aware of the numerous intrinsic and extrinsic benefits related to safeguarding our natural heritage. That is why it is imperative that students who are studying about safeguarding the environment and providing sustainable solutions do so not just by discussing theories in class, but by actually getting their hands dirty and practicing the concepts that are so important for environmental professionals.

That is why for the second consecutive year, students reading for a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Engineering at MCAST carried out a number of fieldwork sessions in Gozo. Over a span of two days students devised and carried out different sampling techniques within both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. This gave students the opportunity to apply the concepts discussed in class. Such fieldwork sessions complemented class-based lectures during which students were presented with real-life problems. In the field, students had to collect, analyse and evaluate data to deduce the state of different habitats and of the environment. Based on the information they collected, they eventually presented their ideas on how to mitigate the effects of anthropogenic activity.

While importance was given to technical and professional skills that the students will eventually use in their line of work, particular emphasis was also given to transferable skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork and time-management, among many others. Such initiatives offer opportunities for students to develop and strengthen skills which go beyond the lecture room and are important for day-to-day professional activities in their field.

In a dynamic economy, development and progress depend on the practical application of scientific knowledge. The pedagogy of Vocational and Professional Education and Training ensures that knowledge is practiced and applied in real-life contexts. In the case of the BSc (Hons) in Environmental Engineering programme, students actually put into practice knowledge about the environment and develop their professional skills. MCAST aims to play a strategic role in allowing students to develop and enhance skills that enable them to thrive and succeed in a constantly changing market and be catalysts in promoting economic development, expanding opportunities of employment and improving the quality of employment. Students are also empowered to develop themselves personally and professionally to contribute to their own well-being as well as to society in general.

The students were accompanied by MCAST Institute of Applied Sciences lecturers Juan José Bonello, Edwin Zammit and Francesca Spagnol Gravino.