Flexible part-time study and training

With time, lifestyles, habits and objectives are changing our driving society to become more dynamic and volatile. Nowadays, individuals aim at becoming more accomplished and the majority have learnt to adapt to the constantly changing needs of the economy.

People aim at becoming holistically more 'fulfilled', whether personally, financially and/or academically. They have learnt that unless they adapt to society demands, they will fall back and will be left behind, especially when it comes to personal development and professional growth.

Education and training have now become part of our day-to-day life. Knowledge and ability are no longer considered a luxury but have become more of a need which could come in handy when taking up any challenge.

However, real life circumstances do not make it possible for all to learn, gain knowledge and further develop themselves. Most people simply do not have the time for full-time studying, either because of busy schedules or long-lasting financial commitments.

The more ambitious however are finding the solution to this setback and are opting for part-time training. The need to resume studying is triggered by a number of reasons: people who are in employment and want to go up the career ladder; people who want to improve their job prospects or change their job completely; or simply people who decide to learn an entirely different thing from what they do in their daily routine.

Studying on a part-time basis could be a convenient way of gaining the right skills to take one's professional career to the next level. It could also be an attractive option to help people start a new pastime or simply attain some sort of certification as a personal challenge. What-ever the reason and situation, part-time studying is gradually becoming the solution.

Since MCAST's foundation, one of the main intentions of the college was to provide vocational education and training opportunities for all. Five years down the line, one could easily say that the college is on the right track.

MCAST has recently opened its doors to over 2,000 new full-time applicants and is presently accepting applications for the new intake of part-time students who will be commencing their studies this October.

Part-time studying is offered to individuals aged 16 and over through a wide variety of evening courses which run in the various MCAST institutes.

Over the last years, the part-time training programme at MCAST has expanded and developed into a wide range of short and long courses to suit everyone - whether it's those studying for the first time since leaving compulsory education or about attaining international recognised qualifications to support career growth.

Twice a year, the college launches a programme of evening training courses consisting of training areas in fields such as Art and Design to Maritime, Building and Construction Engineering to Business and Commerce, Electrical and Electronics Engineering to Community Services, Mechanical Engineering to Information and Communication Technology to Agribusiness.

With people's needs in mind, these courses are designed to accommodate everyone and vary in duration, price and also certification. Certification may vary from an MCAST Certificate of Attendance to City & Guilds, BTEC and ITEC.

The concept behind part-time studying is offering the public an opportunity for personal development by integrating their studies in a normal everyday lifestyle.

The choice of courses is intended, among others, to facilitate matters for first-time students, to challenge the more ambitious learner and to satisfy the high achiever. The idea is to communicate the significance and value of knowledge and lifelong learning to all.

Part-time students usually tend to be more advanced in their careers with a number of years of work experience. This is taken into consideration as courses (especially those aimed at career development) are designed so that the theoretical aspect of the training programme complements their on-the-job experience.

Part-time students combine their professional working life with college training in order to help them progress in their career. Others enrol in courses just for the sake of learning and doing different things.

In the end, it is all about awareness, learning and understanding. Evening courses are not only designed to provide the student with what to study. Schedules are planned to fit studying into a busy work/life schedule. They are designed to make it easy for candidates to be in a position to fully complete the training programme.

In fact, sessions are mainly held during the week in the evening. As an educational institution, MCAST is completely dedicated to the success of its students at whatever level they are studying. MCAST constantly aims at making the study options as flexible as the students' lifestyle requires, to be able to cope with work, family and finances.

Part-time study is becoming the solution to personal growth and development while providing individuals with a possibility to keep up with other commitments. Part-time courses at MCAST are intended at providing flexible learning (with an opportunity of acquiring accredited qualifications in a number of fields).

As the leading vocational training provider in Malta and Gozo, MCAST constantly strives to provide learning opportunities to all to ensure that the country will have a much better, more flexible and more knowledgeable workforce for the future. Comprehensive and adaptable learning is what the MCAST part-time courses programme is all about.

The college is accepting applications for part-time courses until Friday. For more information, contact the Information and Support Centre on 2398-7100.

Mr Bonnici is administrative manager at MCAST