The secret of MCAST's success: Hands-on practice, fewer exams

Hundreds of teenagers with a flair for all sort of skills, from hairdressing to farming, took the first steps in their careers yesterday by applying to join the Malta College for Science, Arts and Technology.

From budding computer programmers to aspiring tattoo artists, the college managed to attract all sorts of young people by offering a vast variety of over 100 courses.

As they waited for their turn to apply at the main Mcast block in Paola, students said they were opting for the college because it was "hands-on" and provided courses not available at the University.

Others said they were trying their luck at both institutions because they were still waiting for re-sit results or because they had not yet made up their minds as to where they wanted to spend the next few years of their lives.

Education Minister Dolores Cristina visited the young applicants to congratulate them and thank them for choosing the opportunities the government had offered.

Some 3,000 students are expected to apply by Thursday when applications will close.

Since its creation in 2000, Mcast has grown considerably and the college has seen a population increase of 28 per cent over the past two years.

Last June, 1,905 students successfully completed their studies, with 751 managing to attain a certificate of studies or diploma, recognised throughout Europe and in other countries.

"Mcast courses are attractive because they are very heavily based on practice," registrar Ray Farrugia said, when asked to reveal the secret of the college's success.

This was enabled through heavy investment in new labs and equipment, job placements and apprenticeship programmes within different industries and less emphasis on time-based examinations. The emphasis, instead, was on task-based competences and gaining experience with different industries, he explained.

This year, Mcast also introduced a maturity clause for people without formal qualifications. In such cases, an interview is carried out to assess each applicant's drive and motivation and the general level of schooling to ensure they are equipped to successfully finish their courses.

Mcast provides free career and education guidance through its Information and Support Unit.

Next year, a childcare centre will be opened to welcome the children of students and lecturers.

Also in the works is the building of the Mcast new campus through which all Mcast's five different campuses can come together in one location.

This project, partly funded by the EU, will cost up to €116 million and will start as soon as the go-ahead is given by the planning authority.