Mcast is celebrating the graduation of 512 students who successfully completed their Bachelor's Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes.
The first graduates, 98 students from the Institute of Art & Design, the Institute of Business and Commerce, the Institute of Information and Communication Technology, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering were conferred with Bachelor of Arts or Science (B.A or B.Sc) degrees yesterday at the Grandmaster's Suite of the Hilton Malta, in St. Julian's.
Desiree Azzopardi, one of the students who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 3D Design and Interiors, addressed the guests on behalf of all graduates. She urged her colleagues not to be afraid of using their skills and competencies to realise their dreams and ambitions. "We have to believe in ourselves and use our capabilities wisely and courageously, because if we stifle them, each one of us, as well as our country, will lose out," she said.
Ms. Azzopardi added that the emphasis that the MCAST vocational programmes place on hands-on experience allows students to truly grasp the skills involved in their preferred area of study. In turn, this has made it much easier for her and for her colleagues to swiftly secure the jobs they have always aspired for.
Mcast Principal and CEO Prof. Maurice Grech presented the certificates to the students and explained that this graduation marks another successful year for the College as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. The rapid increase in students opting for MCAST's vocational programmes reflects current international trends, as studies have shown that half of European youths are opting for this type of education based on hands-on training in workshops and real work settings rather than lecture-based theoretical sessions only.
"We are committed to continue raising the quality levels of our courses by acquiring more industry-standard equipment, adopting innovative teaching methods, and most importantly, by investing in our human resources. Our lecturing staff are not only qualified in their area of study, but also have extensive industry experience, which places them in a better position to adequately prepare students for the realities of employment. We also provide lecturers with continued professional development training programmes to enhance their teaching skills and to acquire more qualifications in their subject areas." A few weeks ago, Prof. Grech added, MCAST also secured €20 million from the EU's European Social Fund, to continue upgrading its courses and to offer new career opportunities to students in Malta and Gozo.
Mcast president Joseph Farrugia congratulated the students on the completion of their studies. He stated that MCAST is a young, dynamic and innovative institution that is focused on matching vocational education with the needs of the labour market. "This is the main reason why MCAST graduates are in demand by various industrial sectors, and also why MCAST's vocational programmes, including our degrees, are being recognised internationally and offering students many opportunities to pursue post graduate studies successfully," Mr. Farrugia added.
Another 414 students who completed Level 5 programmes, including Higher National Diplomas, will be receiving their certificates today and on Friday.
They include students from the Institute of Agribusiness, the Institute of Art & Design, the Institute of Building and Construction Engineering, the Institute of Business & Commerce, the Institute of Community Services, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, the Institute of Information and Communication Technology, and the Institute of Mechanical Engineering.