The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) and the Malta Public Transport (MPT) have signed an agreement to strengthen collaboration on vehicles maintenance courses further.

The agreement was signed on 10 March by Malta Public Transport General Manager Konrad Pulé and MCAST Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja.

MCAST’s Institute of Engineering and Transport will design and introduce new study modules focused on the maintenance of buses and other heavy vehicles and machinery for students following technician and mechanical courses at the College.  The IET has also recently introduced new courses on electrical vehicles.

Professor Joachim James Calleja said, “Our close relationship with industry and with other social partners is yielding results beyond our expectations. The number of apprenticeship places and partnership agreements bears evidence to this. This feedback is very encouraging, and we are pleased to be working with Malta Public Transport to offer opportunities to students that prepare them for the world of employment.”

On its part, Malta Public Transport will facilitate the use of its premises and machinery by MCAST lecturers and students. This agreement will also allow students to get vital on-the-job experience at the Company’s state-of-the-art facilities. Importantly, MCAST students following these courses will have the opportunity to follow sponsored work placements with Malta Public Transport.

Konrad Pulé said, “Malta Public Transport looks forward to the collaboration with MCAST to share its expertise and resources in the transport industry. This collaboration will continue to address the local requirement for skilled people in the field of heavy vehicles, particularly in the maintenance of buses, and we are happy to support the College through work placements and by providing equipment to offer the opportunity to students to have hands-on training. Malta Public Transport will be providing an actual bus to MCAST so that students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience during their training.”

This collaborative agreement is part of MCAST’s mission and ongoing effort to provide industry-relevant vocational education and training to students while addressing the shortage of skilled workers in various local industrial sectors.