A focus on employability - 2

The second in a series of five articles featuring exclusive interviews with directors of MCAST by Alexander Muscat Azzopardi

The MCAST Institute of ICT

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) Institute of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) director Juan Borg Manduca said that the institute offers education and training opportunities at all levels, depending on the student's background.

The entry level is a one year full time MCAST Foundation Certificate, for which applicants need no qualifications, other than a school-leaving certificate, but are subject to an aptitude test and interview. During this course, students learn information systems, uses of information technology, English, mathematics, core skills and an introduction to computer systems. The content is being revised to include modules that cover logic and problem solving and an introduction to programing.

The second level is the MCAST/BTEC First Diploma. Students must have two Ordinary level passes (preference for Mathematics, English or a science subject) or must have succesfully completed the MCAST Foundation Certificate. During this course, students further their knowledge in the subjects studied in the MCAST Foundation Certificate, as well as Web development, business IT and an introduction to databases. An e-commerce module is to be introduced in October.

The third level is the MCAST/BTEC National Diploma, a two year course. In the first year students study language and communication, business information systems, computational methods, communications technology, computer systems, software applications, an introduction to software development (Visual Basic) and Website development.

During the second year students opt between networking and ICT support, or software development as an area of specialisation, while both areas include study modules on the Internet (including ASP and SQL).

Students who select Networking and ICT Support will learn the practical aspects of assembling and configuring computers installing and configuring a Windows 2000 network as well as other modules which include end-user support, multimedia technology and PC specifications.

Students who select the Software Development stream will in turn study various modules such as systems analysis and design, and various programing modules covering both the Java and C++ programming languages.

The fourth level on offer is the MCAST/BTEC Higher National Diploma, a two-year course which is considered to be a level-four qualification, i.e. the same level as year one and year two of a university first degree.

Students with two Advanced level passes and one Intermediate level (one of which must be computer science) may apply for this course as well as those students who succesfully complete the MCAST/.BTEC National Diploma. This level will be offered for the first time in October.

Education at ICT is based on continuous assessment and a credit system, rather than the traditional examination system

Besides, two study rooms with 35 computers each are open all day for students to use at their own discretion. This allows the students to work during their own available time with full Internet use. This also helps to minimise the disadvantage to students who do not have a computer at home.

Students are also provided with a handbook clearly outlining all procedures, ensuring they know exactly what is expected of them during the course.

Anyone requiring further information on the courses available at MCAST's ICT Institute can attend the information talks at the MCAST main Campus, Corradino Hill on July 22 at 6.30 p.m.

The MCAST Maritime Institute

The only MCAST institute where students wear a (naval) uniform, and are seen not only as students but as officer cadets, is the Maritime Institute. It is also the only institute in Malta "entrusted and accredited with the education and training of seafarers," Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (www.mcast.edu.mt) Maritime Institute director Captain Reuben Lanfranco told The Sunday Times.

Discipline is a top priority, leading to leadership skills that are invaluable on board any vessel.

The Maritime Institute offers full-time, part-time or ancillary and evening courses for those interested in commercial, as well as pleasure vessels.

Through the ongoing part-time courses, all commercial craft operators are trained by MCAST, while those interested in pleasure boating are also trained to attain the basic seamanship and safe boat handling to attain a driving licence for mechanically driven craft.

In the latter case, courses last two to three weeks, with over 4,500 persons trained since July 2001.

For those intending to sail beyond teritorial waters there is a three-month course - two hours a day, five days a week - the Yacht Master (Offshore) course, while the nine-month Yacht Master Ocean course is available for those wishing to sail beyond the Mediterranean.

Ten courses are available for commercial vessel personnel, ranging from the General Purpose Hand Course to the Commercial Vessel Master or Engineeer.

Upon completion of the full-time courses officer cadets receive internationally recognised certificates.

The final grade for officer cadets is determined by academic success (70 per cent) self-discipline and attendance. Officer cadets are entitled to a stipend.

During the course officer cadets participate in adventure training programmes to build character and develop leadership skills. The programme includes activities like camping, canoeing and sailing. The three-year OIC Navigational Watch and the two-year OIC Engineering Watch courses are available for people over 16 years of age wishing to pursue a nautical career.

For the former, course applicants must have completed secondary education and achieved passes at Ordinary level in Mathematics, Maltese, English, Physics and any other subject. The first year entails full-time study, as does the third, while the second year consists of a 12-month sea-going practice on a merchant vessel.

Engineering Watch students are subject to the same entry requirements. The first year of the course is dedicated to study (full-time), while the second year is a six-month sea-going practicum followed by three months of training in a ship/dockyard.

Prospective students are also subject to a medical examination, a physical aptitude test and an interview.

Captain Lanfranco said: "Instructors are not just qualified and experienced, but they also know the job and how to teach it."

Further courses leading to international certification as master mariners or chief engineers are offered to students who want to improve their qualifications and position of responsibility on board ships.

Internationally-recognised courses are also available in first-aid, fire-fighting, sea survival, personal safety and social responsibility, communications, crowd and crisis management as well as many other subjects.

Further information about the Martime Institute Maritime full-time courses will be given during the institute's open day on July 22 at 6 p.m. at the Maritime Institute, Villa Portelli, Marina Street, Kalkara, or by calling 2180-6467/8.