Foundation stone of €120m Mcast campus laid

The foundation stone of the new €120 million Mcast campus in Corradino was laid today by the prime minister.

"Today's event in the fruit of crucial decisions taken by the government in the past few years, and it is also sows the seed of a more promising future for Malta's young people," Dr Gonzi told a crowd of parents, students, staff and other guests.

He recalled how the government had set up Mcast 10 years ago, a time which was also close to another crucial decision - EU membership.  Mcast itself had benefited from EU funds, with European funds having been allocated for its development and growth.

Mcast's growth, he said, reflected Malta's economic growth. The diversity of its courses reflected the diversity of the economy

Mcast was giving Malta the trained people it needed to be an attractive investment destination, such as in the area of aircraft maintenance. An example of the economy's dynamic was how Mcast recently opened a new institute, that of Applied Science.

"Investors have lauded the fact that Mcast is able to quickly provide the courses which the country needs," Dr Gonzi said.

The synergy that had been created between Mcast and industry was one of the factors which supported Malta's resilience in tough global economic times.

An impression of the new Mcast campus.

Today's event, Dr Gonzi said, was another link in the chain of initiatives which the government was taking in the education sector. He noted that 8,800 young people had graduated from Mcast in the past four years, and most had found a job. Equally satisfying, he said, was how workers who already had a job were following Mcast part-time courses, thus broadening their career prospects.

"This is an education and economic project which will improve the quality of life of those who opt to study here. It a sign of confidence in young people and workers who are forging the country's future," Dr Gonzi concluded. 

Work on the new campus started last year. The first phase of the campus will consist of three blocks which will be built in the next two years. These will house Students House, the Institute of Applied Science and the new institute for business. The project will eventually have 17 blocks bringing all Mcast institutes in one campus.

There will also be a 630-car car-park.

The project is being partly funded by the EU