New part-time courses to start next month

Next month the Malta College of Arts Science and Technology will launch another 200 evening courses, including 14 new programmes.

Workers are now required to continue training throughout their lives- Mcast principal

These training opportunities are aimed at people who cannot follow full-time education due to work or family commitments but who still wish to acquire new skills and qualifications to get a new job, seek career advancement or simply to learn more about subjects that interest them. Students aged 16 and over may also take up these courses.

The courses include programmes in applied science, animal care, bee keeping, gardening, horticulture, organic farming, winemaking, art, interior design, fashion design and tailoring, video and photo editing, welding, DIY, construction, installation of renewable energy systems, various business and management skills, use of accounting software, make-up techniques, beauty therapy and hair care, sports psychology, electrical and electronic technologies, web and software development and programming, use of general engineering machine tools, goods transport, and several programmes leading to the acquisition of licences required to operate various types of sea vessels or to work in the maritime sector.

The full list of courses and the application form may be found in the booklet that has recently been sent to all families, as well as on www.mcast.edu.mt/shortcourses, where prospective students can also apply online. Alternatively, they can hand in the application at the Mcast main campus, in Paola, on weekdays between tomorrow and March 7, from 8.30 a.m to 7 p.m.

More information can be obtained by telephone or e-mail on 2398 7103 or e-mail shortcourses@mcast.edu.mt.

Participants will not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also engage in hands-on practice in workshops and laboratories.

Most of Mcast’s part-time courses are accredited through the European Credit system for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) or European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) frameworks. This means that, at their own pace, learners can complete a number of accredited part-time courses within the same field, which, when put together, will lead to the awarding of an over-arching certificate or diploma.

Mcast principal and CEO Maurice Grech said the traditional life pattern of training-work-retirement is fast becoming obsolete as workers are now required to continue training throughout their lives to meet the ever-changing needs of the economy. “They must ensure that they invest in lifelong learning to guarantee their jobs and to acquire the necessary qualifications to advance, earn more and improve their quality of life. This emphasis on lifelong training is particularly important for low-skilled, unqualified persons whose employment prospects are in decline,” he said.

Mcast’s part-time training programmes are managed by the college’s commercial arm Mcast Gateway to Industry Ltd.