According to business leader Helga Ellul, one of the most important decisions taken during the inception of MCAST was the way the board of governors was set up.
“It was made up of a healthy match of business leaders on one side with experienced educational experts in the field of vocational /technical education on the other side,” she says.
MCAST was set up with a clear vision to move away from the image of ‘trade schools’ and, modelled on the Fellenberg centre, into the image of modern training into technology, she explains.
“I think it was a most important decision of the board of governors to involve industry leaders in the decision-making processes,” Ellul adds.
“At the time, we were far ahead in technology, and knowing about future trends and needs than the academic experts. So, this drive by businesses for the academic partners to embrace new technologies and work together to model and design the right curricula created the relevance MCAST needed to place the students in the right work environments.”
Senior HR professional Antoinette Caruana starts off by acknowledging that the growth and development of MCAST over the past 25 years is truly remarkable.
Starting from more traditional vocational areas, building on the legacy of the previous Polytechnic, and armed with the commitment and determination of key stakeholders both within MCAST and externally, this recognised vocational institution has earned a positive reputation both locally and internationally for the provision of vocational education across various sectors and at different levels.
Key milestones have been the setting up of institutes within MCAST and the provision of critical programmes which were a lifeline for various industries in Malta.
“A notable one was the setting up of the aircraft maintenance programmes, as well as continuous training programmes for adult learners. Having also been involved in heritage, I can say that the conservation programmes offer exciting opportunities in this sector,” she says.
Caruana says that she has also witnessed first-hand various family members and colleagues who have also taken advantage of MCAST’s part-time and evening programmes.
Furthermore, the opportunity for MCAST students to grow from foundation studies to higher diploma and tertiary studies is also very significant.
“Of course, we need always to ensure that standards are maintained and that content remains relevant,” she says. “Working closely with key players in the various sectors contributes to this, and adhering to the highest quality standards in vocational education is another indisputable priority.”
The new buildings and resources are also a reflection of the focus on vocational education in Malta, providing students with an attractive place to learn and grow in their studies, as well as socially, she adds.
The need to be closely connected to industry and society is particularly important.
“Industry is crying out for employees who want to grow and who can help the business, whatever that may be, to continue to be relevant and successful,” Caruana says. “Inviting industry, whichever the sector that may be, to truly be a stakeholder is essential. It is happening and needs to continue and evolve further.”
Ellul adds: “It is clear that today, MCAST has established itself as an important educational partner to industry. Seeing the wide range of subjects also shows that MCAST is catering and evolving to the needs of all the economic players of our country.”
The realisation and commitment to work-based learning and industry collaboration is fundamental to vocational education, Caruana says.
“Learning to learn and developing a ‘love’ to learn are critical. In today’s world and even more in tomorrow’s, careers will grow and change, and if we do not change, we will be left behind. To ensure that students remain employable and can update their skills and reskill, the link with industry and work-based learning, the provision of apprenticeships, industry visits, industry tutors, are all critical.”
The growing number of students, the increase in the number of programmes on offer in so many areas and at different levels have had a significant impact on the workforce in Malta.
Students entering the workforce are better placed to take on their responsibilities because, in a number of cases, they have been able to undertake the necessary practical experience or, at least, learn from experienced people in the industry.
They are also able to return to their studies, grow their portfolio and enhance their skills as time passes. For willing students who want to continue to grow and develop, MCAST provides opportunities, sometimes also with international placements, to meet their ambitions.
In the past, Caruana has been involved in various discussions, preparation of standards (through the MPVQAC and the Employment and Training Corporation at the time), organisation of programmes, training of MCAST tutors, enabling industry professionals to share their knowledge at MCAST in technical and heritage related sectors, among other initiatives.
“The work-based learning and ongoing collaboration with industry which truly works in practice are what make MCAST different and attractive to employers, young students and employees who wish to pursue further vocational learning,” she points out.
As for the future of MCAST, Ellul says that, with the strong influence and changes AI is bringing, it is essential that the institution is on the forefront to embrace AI in education and effect the necessary changes fast, as well as to do this together with the economic players and with the business leaders.
“It is only then that we can remain relevant,” she stresses. “Technology is changing so rapidly and fast that even the next five years are difficult to predict. What is important is to network internationally with other similar and relevant education set-ups and business organisations to stay informed.”
Caruana agrees that the world of work is changing rapidly.
“Technology in all areas knows no bounds. The world of tomorrow will be very different and MCAST students also need to be aware of this, to be prepared for it, to contribute to it and to continue developing themselves,” she says.
Another important change which should be implemented in the future is that the services provided by MCAST in addition to the study programmes, such as counselling, career services, apprenticeship programmes, international placements, need to be enhanced, Caruana adds.
“I also believe strongly that MCAST, together with employers, can offer opportunities for people in employment to continue learning, skilling and reskilling so that they too can be relevant as the workplace changes and opportunities appear. MCAST has a role to play here, and I believe it can be expanded further.”
“Finally,” says Ellul. “it is important to listen to our students, to our young generation, to give them a say on the way forward. It is their future… and we should let them be part of the decision makers.”
This article was first published in the MCASTlink magazine (Issue 74).
