Courses contracted by private institutions for students enrolled on the MCAST Foundation Certificate in Computing, the MCAST/BTEC First Diploma for IT Practitioners and the MCAST/BTEC National Diploma in Computing have now started, Mcast said this afternoon.

It said it would leave no stone unturned to ensure that the full training programmes, identical to the ones being delivered on the college's main campus, would be delivered in good time.

"This means that students shall progress normally to higher levels of studies."

The courses were contracted to private institutions because demand exceeded Mcast's capacity in terms of human and physical resources.

Mcast explained that in an attempt to minimise the chance of such occurrences repeating themselves, its tender had this year provided for a three-year assimilation exercise. Agreement had also been reached with two private training bidders with regard to the distribution of student numbers over the same period. As a result the delays in course delivery experienced over the last couple of years should not feature again in the future.

It said the current situation came about as a result of circumstances completely beyond its control.

"At the same time, the college would like to take this opportunity to encourage all IT students to look forward to the progression opportunities which Mcast offers. Suffice it to say that in September 2009, Mcast launched its first set of degree programmes at the Institute of Information and Communication Technology. These degrees are specifically designed for students who successfully complete their Higher National Diploma studies. Students now have the opportunity to read for a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Networks or a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development at Mcast."