About 94 per cent of STC Training students who graduated this year are already in employment, according to the institute.

STC Training is an IT institute based in Pembroke.

Students not only have rigorous academic qualifications, but are also well received at the workplace, was the key message by speakers at STC's annual graduation ceremony on December 18 at Hotel Phoenicia, Floriana.

This year saw 34 students graduate in B.Sc. (Hons) Information Technology and Business Information Systems, conferred by the London Metropolitan University, UK. The local graduation follows an official ceremony held at the Barbican, London, earlier this month.

The B.Sc degree course by STC follows a curriculum designed by NCC Education, a world leader in non-vendor-specific IT training, in partnership first with London Metropolitan University, but now with Middlesex University, UK. STC currently has some 1,000 students on courses by world leaders such as Cisco, NCC Education and Microsoft.

The evening was also an opportunity to recognise NCC's regional high achievers, with awards going to three STC students on its International Diploma, and International Advanced Diploma in Computer Science.

Felix Stravens, managing director of NCC Education, who presented certificates at the event, said STC students were consistently among NCC's best performers not only in its European region, but also when benchmarked against its centres worldwide. In his address, Prof. Stravens reminded graduates that they were at the 'end of the beginning' in their careers in technology as the competitive environment they faced would warrant lifelong learning.

Patrick Pullicino, chief executive officer of STC Training, said that while graduating was a milestone, real learning came from the workplace. "We wholeheartedly congratulate this year's graduates on their degrees, but at STC we feel happier when our students get a job in IT."

He highlighted results of a recent survey of former students, which showed that 86 per cent thought the knowledge and skills taught at STC were easily transferable to the workplace.

STC seeks to innovate and complement NCC training with interdisciplinary skills, such as project management and communications, to enable its students to be more adept at making the transfer to the world of work, locally and internationally. STC tutors also have close links with the commercial IT sector to ensure students gain up-to-date, relevant industry expertise to complement the academic curricula.

NCC marketing executive Samantha Jones said NCC held STC in high regard for its unique, innovative approach: "It offers an almost family-like atmosphere and gives students exceptional support, not only by providing them with the solid teaching they need, but also by offering curricula in tune with the needs of industry, and exceptional links with local employers."

The STC survey also showed students were attracted to the training institute on account of its internationally-accredited degrees and diplomas and for the flexibility of its part-time, modular study.

Ian Attard, 21, one of STC's youngest graduates this year and former NCC high achiever, said he felt the ability to work while studying had enabled him to secure a good job.

"It takes commitment to study after working hours, but it pays off as you remain in touch with the workplace. This is particularly important in the case of the IT industry, which is in constant change."

Mr Pullicino, in his closing remarks at the ceremony, said STC was frequently asked by prospective students which university was best to graduate from: "For us at STC, the answer is clear: the best university is the university of employment."

For more information, e-mail info@stcmalta.com or visit www.stcmalta.com.