Cottonera students successfully conclude work experience

Twenty-four Form 4 students from the Cottonera area have successfully concluded a month-long work experience during their summer holidays. The students all attend Lorenzo Gafà Boys' Secondary School, Fortini, a school forming part of Cottonera College. Last month these students gained work experience at Malta Shipyards, Gutenberg Press and Vista Co-op.

At Malta Shipyards, 21 students attended the Training Centre where they were taught five trades - bench fitting, lathe work, pipework, sheet metal work and welding.

Malta Shipyards sponsored the students for the whole month and also provided them with all the necessary safety clothing and equipment. In fact, the contribution of Malta Shipyards to Lorenzo Gafà Boys' Secondary School has been invaluable over the years and has been an excellent example of how an important industry can contribute significantly to the wider community.

The students found the experience enriching and showed enthusiasm and commitment. A number of projects were developed, which were then presented to their parents and other distinguished guests during a presentation ceremony.

Students were presented with a certificate of attendance by Dr Cecilia Borg, director-general of Education and by Ms Salvina Muscat, Cottonera College co-ordinator. Mr Stephen Cachia, acting head of school, thanked Malta Shipyards for organising this activity once again.

He praised the students for the maturity and commitment shown and thanked Ray Borg, co-ordinator at Malta Shipyards Training Centre, and his staff for their exemplary dedication and patience with the boys. He also thanked school staff members who gave up some of their holidays to accompany the students.

Two other students carried out their work experience at Gutenberg Press, one of the most important printing presses on the island, while another student worked with Vista Co-op, helping with the organisation of Kidstart Summer School.

Mr Cachia said the school was trying to cater for the different wishes of students as well as the demands presented by a rapidly changing job market. He said the aim of the boys' experience is to encourage them to keep on learning and studying after allowing them to have a first-hand experience of employment.

He added that this was an important learning experience which greatly motivated students and which helped them develop more mature personalities. Mr Cachia then went on to thank the three organisations for their support and help, particularly Borg, Joe Galea, HR manager at Gutenberg Press, and Rosette Thake, co-ordinator of Kidstart Summer Club for Vista Co-op.