A focus on employability

The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (www.-mcast.edu.mt) was set up in 2001, offering vocational studies - an alternative form of post-secondary education.

MCAST principal Roy Snelling is very enthusiastic about the changes the college has seen in the past year and the new courses and facilities on offer to students in 2003/04 - the third year of operation.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Mr Snelling said that the major change this year is the introduction of three new institutes, bringing the total to nine: the Institute of Art and Design; the Maritime Institute; the Institute of Information and Communication Technology; the Institute of Elecrtical and Electronics Engineering; the Institute of Building and Construction Engin-eering; and the Institute of Business and Commerce will this year be joined by the Institute of Community Services; the Institute of Mechanical Engineering; and the Institute of Agribusiness.

MCAST has also got a Gozo centre which will possibly see the addition of second premises as of this year to offer additional courses.

"Post-secondary vocational educational training will be delivered through MCAST," Mr Snelling said, "offering a wide range of quality programmes at all levels, for all ages."

2001 saw the first intake of students and MCAST can now offer improved courses and to larger amounts of students.

In a way MCAST can also be seen as offering a second opportunity for a better education with a view to employability, "regardless of ability or age, we offer programmes to meet employer's and the economy's needs."

Courses are offered for students leaving school with no qualifications, with an O-level or an A-level standard.

Accommodation and facilities have undergone drastic changes in the past few months, with the most major refurbishment at Targa Gap, where new studios and a learn and resource centre as well as equipment have been introduced and improved this year.

However, the next scholastic year will also see the opening of a library and learning resource centre at the MCAST main campus in Paola, as well as catering facilities for students, a students' common room, and other recreational facilities.

"Our mission is to provide quality education and make Malta more competitive. We are contributing to a highly trained, qualified workforce which will be more competitive with regard to the whole world and especially the European Union," Mr Snelling said.

"By the end of 2004 MCAST will be a strong contributor to the local workforce, providing students with the best opportunities," Mr Snelling added.

Four of the institues offer courses at A-level and higher national diplomas, as an alternative to university, leading to internationally recognised qualifications.

Some students show high levels of skill and commitment and their course, however their failure to grasp basic concepts of language and maths would leave them highly disadvantaged in a working world. Consequently, students lacking basic skills in literacy and numeracy are offered support, while MCAST also provide services to improve their skills to complete their vocational training.

Students of all full-time courses at MCAST receive a stipend, while most of their institutes also include an ETC apprenticeship scheme, where students get on-the-job training as part of the course.

MCAST will also be expanding their part-time courses (some held during the day, others during the evening) in all the institutes.

"Employers' needs change with new technology, and we try to meet that demand," Mr Snelling said in closing. However, despite all the changes, MCAST still intends to expand further. Future plans include institutes offering training and courses for science laboratory technicians, development of language, media studies and performing arts.

All school-leaving students (Form 5) will receive the MCAST prospectus by post, while anyone else can get their copy from the MCAST Main Campus on Carradino Hill, Paola, by e-mail on information@mcast.edu.mt, or by phone on 2180-6440. A guidance team is available to help prospective students select the right course.

The college will hold information talks on the courses offered by the institutes between July 21 and 25.

The MCAST Institute of Art and Design

The Institute of Art and Design is one of the MCAST institutes entering their third year of operation. This institute, located in Targa Gap, limits of Mosta, was set up following a merger between the former Emvin Cremona Art and Design Centre in Valletta and the Salvatore Dimech School for Craftsmen at Targa Gap.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, the Institute's director, Donald Friggieri, said the education system "warrants constant attention to reflect today's needs and the country's priority issues".

Most students start off with a full-time one-year access or preparatory course in art and design, moving on to more demanding expectations as from year two when they are expected to apply for one of the BTEC courses on offer. The initial diagnostic years help students identify the areas of study they would like to follow during subsequent years.

Students are encouraged to try out variuos options and to resist starting a course with a pre-set disposition. The available workshops are jewellery and silversmithing, metalcraft, ceramics, woodcraft, stonecraft, stained glass, textiles, graphic design and printing.

Learners are encouraged to broaden their area of activity for practical reasaons. Someone intending to work in jewellery, for example, would do well to show an interest in stone-setting and repair work, enhancing future chances of responding to market needs.

The various study levels are tied up to MCAST's declared aims of all-inclusiveness. Learners leaving form five with no formal qualifications are encouraged to join the level two studies leading to a BTEC First Diploma, provided they show the necessary commitment to learn. MCAST also provides key skills in Mathematics, English and Maltese to second chancers.

At the same time students with SEC passes at Ordinary and/or Advanced level may join the level three studies popularly known as the BTEC Nationals. There are advancement opportunities for both strands.

A strong portfolio of artwork is the preferred evidence for learners wishing to joing courses from outside. The number of learners willing to improve their skills is bound to rise once these opportunities become entrenched in the system.

For further information call 2141-2783 or attend the information talks on July 21 at the Institute of Art and Design, Targa Gap, Mosta.