It is not an everyday occurrence finding yourself handling archaeological artefacts and old national inventories, coming up close to prestigious paintings by famous artists or handling 1,000-year-old skeletons and examples of natural history.

Mcast students are enhancing their knowledge of cultural heritage thanks to hands-on experience at local museums and heritage sites.

A group of students and volunteers are living such an exceptional reality through various opportunities with Heritage Malta.

The collaboration between Heritage Malta and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology aims to enhance knowledge and skills in cultural heritage by offering the opportunity for hands-on experience in a number of museums and sites.

In recent months, seven students doing the Mcast advanced diploma in cultural heritage skills have been gaining relevant work experience by helping out in different areas.

They have been cataloguing collections and cleaning ceramics at the Inquisitor’s Palace, assisting conservators in frame restoration at Bighi Conservation Labs, digitising old photos at the National Museum of Archaeology, reorganising the stores of the national archaeological re-served collection and participating in the setting up and taking down of temporary exhibitions.

The group is accompanied by two volunteer students, who are giving a helping hand at the National Museum of Archaeology.

All the student participants have praised the opportunity, which provided them with the means to better understand the richness and value of national artefacts and the measures being taken to protect them for future generations.

“Anyone who has an appreciation for culture is welcome to assist in the never-ending work at the National Museum of Archaeology,” senior curator Sharon Sultana said.

“With such help, Heritage Malta plans to extend the range of services it offers and thereby provide additional value to the public. In return, all the helpers will gain a unique life experience.”

Interested volunteers can apply by e-mail to info@heritagemalta.org.

Information on Mcast’s advanced diploma in cultural heritage skills is available at http://mcast.edu.mt:8223/rfm/source/Prospectus/Prospectus_2018/index.html#p=124 .

The participants have praised the opportunity to better understand the richness and value of national artefacts and the measures taken to protect them for future generations.