MCAST offers growing number of courses

Education Minister Louis Galea yesterday launched the Malta College of Arts Science and Technology (MCAST) prospectus for the next academic year.

MCAST, which now offers 89 different full time courses in Malta and 13 in Gozo besides a wide range of short courses and European Social Fund courses specifically targeted at mature students, will start receiving applications on July 24. The college, which will start its sixth year in October, was a success story as it was being recognised as a prestigious educational institution by industry which takes up MCAST graduates each year, Dr Galea said.

The achievements and success in both local and international events, as well as involvement in European exchange programmes, demonstrated the well-rounded education and training experience of MCAST students.

During the 2005-2006 academic year, the population of full time students was close to 4,000. In a few years, MCAST had placed vocational education and training at the forefront of the education sector and lifted the status and esteem of vocational education and training, Dr Galea said. The college had increased the number and the levels of the courses offered, allowing students to progress from one level to the next and to take up courses at different levels. Last January, the first 570 students obtained their Higher National Diplomas, which were one step away from a degree.

Strong links with industry, business and commerce ensured that the programmes offered at the college were relevant and fit for purpose, Dr Galea said.

MCAST was working hard to satisfy the demands of dynamic industries, preparing workers for pharmaceuticals, aircraft maintenance, manufacturing, information and communication technology, call handling, care and childcare sectors and other emerging sectors.

This year, two new courses were being offered, namely the MCAST/BTEC First Diploma in Animal Care - Animal Care, Vet Assistant and Veterinary nursing, and the BTEC Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. College principal Frank Edwards said MCAST had broadened its training provision and services aimed at becoming "the vocational training institution for industry".

Mr Edwards said that MCAST students continued to excel not only locally but also on an international level. In January four MCAST students excelled in their City and Guilds (C&G) examinations and gained the C&G Gold Medal Award. These medals were awarded to those learners whose dedication and talent enables them to produce work of exceptional standard and are chosen from candidates from around the world. Last month, a team of four students attending MCAST's ICT Institute placed second in an international competition organised by Oracle, in which more than 100 institutes from around the world took part.

The MCAST prospectus is available from the Information and Support Centre, MCAST Main Campus, Corradino Hill, Paola, or from any local council. One can also visit the MCAST website, www.mcast.edu.mt, for a digital copy.

Those interested in obtaining information or guidance services should phone 23987100 or send an e-mail to counsellors@mcast.edu.mt to fix an appointment.