The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), with the support of the Federation of Industry (FOI), has produced a publication specially tailored for employers - An Employer's Guide to MCAST and Vocational Education and Training.
This guide, the first of its kind, will continue to improve and strengthen the already established links and relationships that the college has with industry, business and commerce. It also aims at providing a clear picture of the way employers can develop a healthy relationship with MCAST and make use of the initial and continuing vocational and training programmes that MCAST already provides, or can develop, to cater for the particular needs, including emergent needs of industry.
During the launch, Education Minister Louis Galea said MCAST's responsiveness, flexibility and close links with industry ensures that the knowledge, skills and competencies within the curriculum are both appropriate and relevant for a changing economy. These strong and robust links with industry are evidenced through the provision of specific tailor-made courses.
Two such courses are the BTEC National Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance and Service Engineering and the Diploma Course for pharmacy technicians. Besides these two courses, the college also organises several part-time/ad hoc courses that have been specifically designed for industry.
Such courses included Aluminum Welding and Engine Management courses for Mizzi Organisation, C Sharp.net for Crimson Wing, a course in Offshore Oil-rig Painters for Offshore Manning, a course in Basic Finance for Enemalta and a BTEC Customer Care course for Terranet.
MCAST offers both full-time and part-time standard courses and specifically designed courses at different levels that lead to certification. The aim is to provide the knowledge, competences and skills that are directly relevant to industry. MCAST services can be obtained in order to upskill, upgrade or retrain workers in industry.
Dr Galea said that from the outset MCAST was designed to be a different type of educational institution, one which was more responsive and flexible and could adapt to the needs of a changing economy and society.
He said that to date, the college had managed to remain abreast of the changes in our country and our economy and, although it is constantly facing challenges, it had managed not only to provide the necessary human resources for the economy but also ensured high-quality training and formation.
Dr Galea said that in the coming weeks MCAST would be taking in another large amount of students after the recently-announced agreement reached by Government which would allow MCAST students to follow ICT courses with private educational institutions and also for MCAST to strengthen its resources at its Corradino campus. This too was an example of how MCAST is responding quickly to the country's needs.
Dr Galea also spoke about partnering benefits between MCAST and industry and other economic sectors, saying that firms stand to benefit from this initiative primarily because of the strong knowledge base that exists at the college and also through its students' fresh ideas.
MCAST can also benefit from such partnerships as it can make the educational experience of its students more relevant to the workplace while tapping into the resources available within such firms.
The minister said the guide is an excellent opportunity for prospective employers of MCAST students to see what the college is doing and how it can help their organisation move forward. Major companies in Malta have already worked with and are endorsing MCAST, as is the Malta Federation of Industry, which is encouraging all employers to sustain this success story by establishing closer contact with the relevant institutes at the college.
Features in The Employers Guide include What is vocational education and training?; Partnerships; Part-time and short courses provision; Working with adults; The Continuous Professional Development Unit; Full-time provision and apprenticeships; Qualifications framework and levels; Vocational qualifications; Competency based qualifications; Working with employers; The benefits to employers; What does training for industry offer?; and Working with stakeholders.
The Vocational Education and Training Exhibit held by MCAST last March was an excellent example of MCAST-industry partnership. The presence of employers offering advice and guidance on careers within their respective sectors and the interest shown by students of all ages, as well as parents, show what can be achieved as we all push together in the same direction.
A forward-looking, knowledge-based economy requires partnerships and, with the continued support of employers, MCAST can make it happen.
Further information and copies of the Employer's Guide to MCAST and Vocational Education and Training may be obtained from MCAST, Administration Buildings, Corradino Hill, Paola or e-mail: partnerships@mcast.edu.mt.