The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (Mcast) has launched the first ever specialised programme aimed at process technicians for the plastics and rubber manufacturing sectors in its bid to partner one of Malta’s largest manufacturing sectors.
The course has been designed in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and the Employment and Training Corporation.
The three-year Diploma for Polymer Process Technicians will include a new apprenticeship scheme. The work experience will be accredited as a study unit, following which students will be assessed to ensure that the targeted learning outcomes of the on-the-job experience have been achieved.
Apprenticeship gains academic value as one of the study units required for the successful attainment of the diploma. Several plastics and rubber manufacturing companies have already committed themselves to take on apprentices. Mcast will be working closely with the ETC to extend this new apprenticeship system to other courses in the future.
To date, technicians and operators who are engaged in the plastics and rubber manufacturing sectors have no formal training to better understand the dynamics of polymer manufacturing – the transformation of polymers into finished plastic or rubber products.
For manufacturing enterprises to be more efficient and to produce better-quality products, operators must have a sound background of the science of the materials and processes they are using so that they are able to effect real-time interventions. They must also be in a position to understand the dynamics of their operation to be able to accurately report any discrepancy they are not able to rectify, to make it easier for engineers to identify solutions.
The first intake for the September course, a Malta Qualifications Framework Level 4 programme, begins in the coming weeks.
Playmobil Malta Ltd chief operating officer Matthias Fauser, who is chairman of the Malta Chamber’s Manufacturers’ and Other Industries Economic Group, said the fast-growing industry was seeing increased demand for expertise.
“The use of plastic material is very varied, with uses as diverse as toys, household items, packaging and car products. The Malta Chamber’s Plastics Manufacturing Group has been working hard to see the launch of this apprenticeship. This qualification is recognised both locally and throughout the EU,” he said.
The diploma is also offered to adult learners over 21, under the maturity clause. People employed in this sector who would like to advance in their career by taking this course can also apply.
Information is available at www.mcast.edu.mt, by e-mailing information@mcast.edu.mt or by calling 2398 7100. Applications close on Friday.