The pharmaceutical manufacturing sector has been identified as one in which Malta has a significant competitive advantage, as well as a contribution to make. A number of foreign companies have invested and will be investing further in development and manufacturing operations in Malta.
If Malta is to take full advantage of the foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities relating to the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, it is imperative to provide the skills, knowledge and training programmes the sector requires.
MCAST is playing an important role in facilitating foreign direct investment, ensuring Malta has an adequate, competent labour market supply. It was specifically for this reason that the BTEC/MCAST National Diploma in Applied Science programme was successfully introduced in September 2004.
This programme, which falls within the Technician Apprenticeship Scheme (TAS) and is under the responsibility of the MCAST close collaborators, the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC), has been very successfully supported by employers.
Responding to emerging needs
However, as well as FDI, Malta has its own internal skills shortages within the pharmacy sector. In this respect the Pharmacy Council and St Luke's and Mater Dei Hospitals have identified the need for more Pharmacy Technicians.
In its ongoing co-operation with all relevant stakeholders, the college met the Pharmacy Council, St Luke's and Mater Dei Hospitals, and, in full agreement and collaboration with them, the college is launching a new course entitled MCAST Diploma for Pharmacy Technicians this academic year.
This course is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career as a Pharmacy Technician. Students will be trained in scientific and pharmaceutical principles, including the hands-on experience.
The course was actually designed with the Pharmacy Council and St Luke's Hospital. The programme offers exciting opportunities in the hospital pharmacy sector and will also open further opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry.
This is a challenging programme and students will need one subject at A Level with a Grade C or better from Chemistry, Physics and Biology, together with 5 SEC/O Level passes, which should include Mathematics, English Language and Chemistry (if not taken at A Level).
It is a two-year, full-time course and includes structured work placement experience.
Besides the MCAST Diploma for Pharmacy Technicians, the college is also offering new courses in the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, the Institute of Building and Construction Engineering and the Agribusiness Institute.
These new courses include the MCAST/BTEC Higher National Diploma in Construction (Architectural Design and Production and Management), the MCAST/BTEC Higher Diploma in Building Services (HVAC), the MCAST/BTEC Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and the MCAST/BTEC First Diploma in Animal Care.
These courses, launched recently, were not included in the recently published Prospectus 2006-2007 since they were the rapid response to satisfy the needs of industry and the economy. This is a clear indication of the in-built flexibility to respond to emerging needs that MCAST has developed in the past few years.
Collaboration with the University
The college is continuing to forge links with all stakeholders, including the University of Malta. MCAST has hosted students from the University on various Engineering courses, and this has been reciprocated by the University.
The college is currently involved with providing electronics and engineering skills to more that a hundred University students at the College's training facilities at the main Paola campus. The college aims to strengthen this collaboration for the benefit of all Maltese and Gozitan students. This collaboration will serve to bridge the perceived academic/vocational divide at both institutions.
Another important development at the college is an evolving and growing project with Lufthansa Technik Malta, which will see the establishment of a European Aviation Safety Agency, 147-Approved College. This development will supply the sector with aircraft maintenance personnel who will not only have the BTEC/MCAST National Diploma within a TAS Apprenticeship framework but also the appropriate licensing certification that is a mandatory requirement by the European Aviation Safety Agency.
These rapid responses clearly demonstrate how MCAST can work with public organisations and industry, as well as with professional bodies to expand and enhance Malta's skills' base, which in turn will create more added value employment and ensure the supply of appropriate and relevant skills for the expanding service sector.
While we at MCAST "place students at the heart of all that we do", as our strategic plan clearly states, we are determined to be instrumental in Malta's economic development and social progress.
Mr Attard is president of the Board of Governors of MCAST and Mr Edwards is principal/CEO.