Graduation ceremonies were recently been held at the main campus of the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology for students who successfully completed various courses during the last academic year.
A total of 2,755 students completed courses at Levels 1 to 4 in agribusiness, applied science, art and design, building and construction engineering, business and commerce, community services, electrical and electronics engineering, information and communication technology (ICT), mechanical engineering and maritime studies.
A ceremony was also held for 123 students who completed Level 1 to 4 courses at Mcast’s Gozo Centres at Xagħra and Xewkija.
Over 73.1 per cent of the students who received Level 1 to 4 certificates this month are continuing their studies at Mcast in higher level courses.
Sixteen students, of which five were from Gozo, received certificates for completing the Mcast Pathway to Independent Living Programme, a course designed to help individuals with mild to moderate disabilities or learning difficulties to acquire the necessary skills for independent living.
A separate awards ceremony was held for 64 students who successfully completed various aircraft maintenance technician courses. Since 2004, the college has trained over 450 students who are now working with airlines and in the aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul sector. Another 70 students are currently enrolled on the college’s full-time and part-time courses at Mcast’s state-of-the-art Aviation Maintenance Training Centre.
At the awards ceremony, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo mentioned the skills gap analysis that is due to be carried out together with the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, to identify present and future skills gaps in the economy.
Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella said the aviation maintenance sector has potential for further growth, adding that companies like Lufthansa Technik and SR Technics had invested in Malta mainly due to the skilled human resources available.
Last December, another group of 741 Mcast students received Higher National Diplomas or Bachelor’s degrees after completing Level 5 and 6 programmes at the college.