Frames, Maltese clocks, paintings and religious icons are among artefacts embellished by oil and water gilding techniques that are currently on display at the Ministry for Education and Employment in Floriana.
Titled L-Alternattiv Mhux Inferjuri (the alternative is not inferior), the exhibition raises awareness on vocational subjects and how students pursuing such a career path can be as successful as peers following university courses.
This falls in line with national efforts to promote vocational education and training (VET).
The My Journey: Achieving Through Different Paths programme, one of the targets of the Framework for the Education Strategy for Malta 2014-2024 that aims for an equitable quality education for all, is currently being implemented across schools.
Through My Journey, students can study the traditional subjects but can also choose applied and vocational learning programmes as optionals.
Vocational subjects were first promoted to secondary education certificate (Sec) level four years ago, when students could sit for five such subjects. Since then, the number of vocational subjects offered at this level has steadily increased, to nowadays include agribusiness, artisanship, construction, engineering technology, hairdressing and beauty, health and social care, hospitality, information technology, retail and textiles and fashion.
Oil and water gilding techniques have been introduced in a pilot project at St Ignatius College, Secondary School, Ħandaq, this scholastic year. The 23 students who have taken this option in Year 9 will also attend lectures in marketing, business organisation, computer, workshop management and health and safety.
Students are given all possible means to develop their talents
The course will lead to qualifications at Matsec Level 3 but it will be possible for students to stop at Levels 1 and 2 and still receive certification for work purposes or to continue their studies.
“Through My Journey, students who have manual skills are given all possible means to develop their talents and, above all, to have wider job opportunities,” said Karl Parnis, curator of the exhibition.
Data released during the European Vocational Skills Week (November 5 to 9) revealed that just over a quarter of all Maltese students aged between 14 and 16 opt for vocational subjects, the fourth-lowest rate in Europe.
According to Eurostat, the EU statistics office, of the 19,303 students in upper secondary school, 5,557 chose to study vocational subjects in 2016.
Elaine Pavia, the Maltese ambassador for the skills week, told the Times of Malta that there is still stigma associated with learning vocational subjects and this could be preventing students from discovering their real talent.
She pointed fingers at parents and guardians who failed to realise that vocational education can be just as rewarding as an academic one.
The exhibition is on at the foyer of the Ministry for Education and Employment in Floriana until November 30. Opening hours: weekdays from 8am to 5pm. Entrance is free.
