The International Vocational College gives students the opportunity to be successful in a business they believe in, says chief executive officer Michelle Gialanze.
We’ve all been through it, either mentally, by trying to clear and define our thoughts after years of studying, or physically, by travelling around the world on backpacking voyages of self- discovery.
That’s just what a gap year is – a period for bracing ourselves before making a leap from the study desk to a job that we’re passionate about.
Now, thanks to the International Vocational College, students can prepare themselves better for the workplace.
By bridging the gap between academia and the workplace, the International Vocational College fills a niche which has been hitherto unoccupied in the local education system.
Based in St Julian’s, the International Vocational College was established last February by the Vassallo Group and myself.
Apart from being a recognised Btec centre, our college is designed by business for business – what we are aiming to do is successfully combine studies and work experience.
The college, which will have the first student intake this September, is planning to offer a number of courses. The first is a three-term, one-year Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. Funding for this course is available for Maltese students.
The course is not exam-oriented – rather, it is structured in a way that combines assignments and work placements within the Vassallo Group’s diverse activities.
The course is designed to give students a foundation in business knowledge and skills that are necessary to run a successful business in today’s world.
We will be focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, market research, e-mar- keting, finance, brand development, business planning and pitching business ideas. Students will also be encouraged to develop a business plan.
Course material will be delivered by several professionals and academics from Malta’s business networks – apart from being fully qualified, lecturers are also working in the field, which means they can share relevant and current case examples.
Every student will also be assigned a mentor – mentors will closely follow students’ progress throughout the course, making sure students finish the course successfully and achieve their full potential.
Technology in education is also important. Apart from having a very active Facebook group, we also organise free webinars. Course content also takes into account the importance of technology in business.
Networking is also very important in the world of business. To date, we have 14 registered students, both local and international. By making contacts, exchanging ideas and setting up networks, students will have a clear idea of how business networks function.
The returns for our students are tangible. First of all, students obtain qualifications that are recognised as an entry requirement to universities worldwide – our qualifications are also accredited by the Malta Qualifications Framework and Edexcel Btec, an international educational body.
Moreover, our students can compete for a prize of €10,000, which is awarded to the best business plan.
Most importantly, students also gather the kind of experience that will boost their employability – this is certainly an advantage over other students who don’t have work experience.
The college is organising talks to showcase the college’s aims while providing business knowledge opportunities. The next talk, which will be delivered by an occupational psychologist and will focus on matching personality with job opportunities, will be held at The George Hotel, Paceville, on Thursday at 6 p.m. The talk is open to the general public.
The college will also be organising short, hands-on courses aimed at students who have just finished university and are gauging their opportunities.