Principal and CEO of the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), Stephen Vella, said that the college's goal is not to react to changes in Malta's workforce, but to anticipate them, and train its students for the roles the country will need next.

Vella spoke to The Malta Independent on Sunday on how MCAST is reshaping how vocational education serves the labour market, as the college will be introducing micro-credentials, and has launched new institutes to ensure students are ready not just for today's work, but for the jobs of the future.

Appointed to the post last September, Vella said that he is no newcomer to MCAST, as he has been there since the college's earliest days, gradually rising through the ranks from lecturer to director, head of College, deputy principal and general manager of MCAST's commercial arm, MG2i, before becoming principal.

"It is a positive and very important thing that, for the first time in MCAST's 25-year history, we have someone who started from the beginning," he said.

He described his transition to the top post as both challenging and rewarding, saying it has given him deeper insight when dealing with staff.

"While at the beginning it might have been challenging, it was a positive opportunity," Vella said.

Investing in a workforce of the future

Asked how MCAST is aligning its courses with emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics and green jobs, Vella said the college has long focused on practical, hands-on education.

"Even before AI, our assignments were often practical, whether it was making a vase, sewing a garment or doing a presentation. No AI will take over that process," Vella said.

Still, he believes AI can be a powerful tool to help students learn. For example, students studying welding can now use simulations before working with actual materials at the college, Vella said.

"It helps reduce injuries and improves understanding, before moving on to the real thing," Vella said.

He explained that all MCAST courses are developed in partnership with industry stakeholders to ensure relevance.

"Industry gives us feedback when designing programmes and students benefit from work-based learning with these same industries while studying," Vella said.

Looking beyond full-time courses, Vella said MCAST is also preparing for major changes in adult education and workforce reskilling.

The college is planning to introduce micro-credentials and flexible modules that one could slowly build on, towards a full certification, he said.

"There are jobs that may cease to exist. What will companies do, make people redundant? No. We want to work with industry to identify skills gaps and anticipate future roles," he continued.

He said MCAST is already seeing demand for upskilling in areas like software for robotics. "The technician of today will need to be the technician who understands robotic systems tomorrow," he said.

When asked whether MCAST is being expected to do too much, too fast, Vella firmly rejected the notion. "MCAST is adequately equipped, and we are proud of the quality we offer," he said.

He pointed out that MCAST is the only institution in Malta, and one of few worldwide, to offer courses from MQF Level 1 to Level 8.

"We have excellent lecturers, many with industry experience. No course is published unless we have the resources and the expertise to deliver it," Vella said.

He added that MCAST alumni are vital contributors to Malta's economy.

"More than 50,000 students have graduated from MCAST over the past 25 years, journalists, nurses, aviation technicians, creatives, IT professionals, you name it. Our graduates are keeping Malta's industries running," Vella said.

Improving access and student experience

As MCAST prepares for the new academic year, Vella said the college's top priority is ensuring that prospective students have a wide and accessible choice of study paths.

"Our prospectus includes over 200 full-time courses. At our recent open day, we had a great turnout, not just from Form 5 students, but also younger teenagers in Grades 8, 9 and 10, along with their parents," Vella said.

This early engagement, he said, reflected growing public confidence in MCAST and awareness of the value of vocational education.

"Parents want their children to be better than them. They are planning early, looking at eligibility and options before Year 11," Vella said.

MCAST is also continuing its physical transformation, with Phase Two of its campus master plan nearing completion.

The Institute of Engineering and Transport, the MCAST Resource Centre (home to the library and research facilities), and a new Institute of Information and Communication Technology (IICT) building are now ready, with the latter set to be inaugurated in September.

Students previously studying ICT have already transitioned into the new building, he said.

Looking ahead, Vella said Phase Three will involve building a new institute for the Creative Arts to replace the current campus in Mosta.

"Once permits and tenders are in place, we estimate it will take six years to complete the project," Vella said.

He also stressed the importance of aesthetics and sustainability, noting MCAST's ambitions to become a greener campus.

"We are working on enhancing landscaping and reducing concrete surfaces to improve the environment for students," Vella said.

Reimagining the classroom

Vella also discussed how the role of educators is evolving. "One of the challenges is that lecturers must shift from being knowledge providers to becoming facilitators and mentors," he said.

"Much of the information is already out there. We need to guide students to engage with it meaningfully," Vella said.

He said MCAST's model already leans in this direction, with hands-on assignments and modular courses that increase flexibility.

The college is also expanding its international outreach, with exchange programmes beyond Europe and partnerships with institutions in Japan, for example.

Through the EU4Dual alliance, MCAST is working on offering joint degrees and micro-credentials with eight other European universities, Vella said.

"Students will be able to experience education in new formats that go beyond what we currently offer," Vella said.

Vocational education as a first choice

Addressing the stigma that MCAST is a fallback option, Vella pointed to a shift in attitude both locally and across Europe.

"The European Commission's Union of Skills initiative has encouraged all to elevate vocational education. The stigma is not about MCAST being second choice, it is about how vocational education was historically viewed as a second choice, and that is changing," Vella said.

He stressed that many MCAST students are high-achievers who choose the college over other options.

"I graduated from the University of Malta. I'm not saying one is better than the other, but the approach is different. At MCAST, we challenge students to apply their learning, not just memorise it," Vella said.

He added that Malta's three main institutions, MCAST, the University of Malta and the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) are together attending events such as the upcoming Expo in Osaka.

"We are complementary institutions. The mentality needs to shift; every student should have a first choice based on their strengths and wishes," Vella said.

The second part of the interview will be carried tomorrow