MCAST Institute of Building and Construction Engineering

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

The MCAST Institute of Building and Construction Engineering was one of the original six Institutes set up when MCAST was opened in 2001. Starting its third year of operation in October, the concept of the Institute has remained unchanged: to combine all the trades involved in the building and construction engineering industry, and looking at smart buildings incorporating the combination of different materials and processes.

Students and trainees are aiming to have teams working in conjunction on a project. Designers would have to communicate with a team, rather than plumbers, masons, electricians and carpenters separately.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Institute director James Pearsall said that there are three types of opportunities that need to be provided for: post-secondary students; retraining - whether to retrain or diversify, and unemployment. So far the first two targets have been achieved.

Courses offered

For the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning course, as well as the Draughtsmanship course applicants must have O-level passes in at least two of the following subjects: Mathematics, Science, Technical Design and English, with a preference for the latter.

This is a full-time, one-year course followed by three years part-time.

Trowel Trades course offers opportunities for painting and decorating; plastering; tile-laying and glazing. The mason's course will lead to the mason's licence. There is also the course in restoration, which includes history of architecture and, in conjunction with the Malta Centre for Restoration, this education can lead to a diploma and career opportunities in the supervising ranks.

The last craft level course is the foundation course in the basic skills in Construction and Engineering, where the student can follow at later years the trade in Carpentry, Welding, Automechanic, Electrical Fabrication and Plumbing.

Students attending any course are supported in numeracy and literacy, if required, as well as basic skills, if necessary, while all courses lead to a Journeyman Certificate, and a follow- up of City & Guilds Course. All students follow two hours of IT training per week.

For further information and details attend the information talk at the MCAST Main Campus, Corradino Hill, Paola on Friday at 6 p.m.

One can also acquire any information about these courses by phone on 2142-3626/7 or visit to the Institute at Naxxar.