Magazine probes value of qualifications on offer

Michelle Arias

Nov 1st 2009, 19:31

Re: Qualifications, confirming that photography will not achieve MQC recognition; it makes sense for MIPP president to write an article about model behavior using words like “unethical” and “dishonest”. He should speak about these important facts, 13 years ago would have helped, but he’s not perfect.

Dr. Calleja explained: “On the other hand private providers who escape the certification process will still be margined out by the market itself.”
An informed public must know that professional service is NOT denoted by “Licentiate”. So please buyers beware.

A professional is defined by MIPP as those who earn majority of their income from the profession. However, all members labeled “Full Member” are not all professionals.
Malta being so small, professional service is well-known.

Students Note: for education on the art, www.maltaphotographicsociety.org is the Government approved school of photography see http://www.education.gov.mt/edu/schools/commercial_schools_list.htm

Re: MIPP's article facts on model behaviour, disappointing that the presdient chose not to use his personal example to illustrate on work ethics and professionalism—he has the best example of what not to do. What a missed opportunity to raise eyebrows on facts. Pity, perhaps this fruit was not yet ripe. Thank god, oil rises above murky water.

Mary Jones

Oct 30th 2009, 19:08

Hope to understand how Institutes are able to claim qualifications and provide services without being accountable or regulated, ie. nonprofits running on a commercial basis?? Min of Ed stated it is up to individuals to find out value for themselves. So how to determine value of qualification is worth more to: - individuals wanting to fast track to certification - a professional working to earn recognition from government and consumers - or, to buyers who should know the difference, if The Institute for professionals proves to abuse its own standards and fails to write a democratic and unbias Statute, not to mention a guide for the Industry--as the approved govt body?? For me, Lisa Gwen sums it up in her article “Call for standards in visual arts”. She said: “… when this vote of confidence is given to those who are not yet in a position to take such a plunge because of lack of background or proper disciplined training, then it is a form of disrespect to all those who work hard to strive for excellence. Re: "fashion photography abuses models and photographers should be aware of." Wonder who is now giving such advices in 2009?

S. Calleja

Oct 30th 2009, 10:51

The question is not whether Maltese employers recognize foreign qualifications. The question is whether foreign employers recognize qualifications from Malta (University degrees or otherwise). While there is no doubt that the standard of education in Malta is at par, or maybe even better, than that offered abroad, it may not be so easy to convince a foreign employer in another EU country of this fact, especially if their impression of the island is of sun, hotel, beaches and nothing more, let alone know about the existance of institutions such as MCAST.