Prof. Josef Lauri’s letter is, to say the least, misleading.

The Mcast call for applications referred to in no way implies that candidates with a B.Ed. (Hons) in Mathematics will be teaching Maths on degree courses.

As most of us would know, Mcast is a further and higher education college offering courses of study from entry Level 1 to degree Level 6 on the qualifications framework. Mcast consistently ensures that lecturers’ qualifications are compatible with the requirements of the courses they are recruited to teach.

Indeed, this is standard practice for any subject of study, be it Maths or Maltese, English or Engineering, Art or Agribusiness.

Mcast continues to be recognised as a college of vocational excellence. This does not come about as a matter of course.

Today, Mcast is running courses in vocational teacher training for some 120 members of staff and Master’s programmes for holders of first degrees in conjunction with Fraunhofer ofGermany.

Charity begins at home and these continuous professional development initiatives are in line with Mcast’s belief in providing lifelong learning opportunities not only for outsiders but also for its members of staff.

In similar vein, the college is also offering Master’s scholarships in a number of preferred specialist areas, such as Marine Engineering, Alternative Sources of Energy, Sustainable Development, Agribusiness, etc.

These are the lecturers who will be teaching on the Mcast degree courses and helping the college establish itself in these sectors of national importance.

Mcast also benefits from the excellent international contacts it has nurtured over the years. The ongoing collaboration with Fraunhofer Gesellschaft and many universities in Germany and elsewhere has helped the college reach the targets declared in its strategic plan.

Several lecturers in possession of a first degree have this year been awarded scholarships to read an Mcast Master’s degree in areas from which the college and Malta itself will benefit.

Later on in the academic year, the same lecturers will be hosted by Fraunhofer Gesellschaft for a 12-week research placement in connection with the preparation of their Master’s thesis prior to their deployment on the courses which they shall be in a position to manage.

It is hoped that this concise information provides some reassurance to anyone who is not sufficiently conversant with Mcast operations.