As part of the ‘ENCOUNTER: MCAST meets Industry’ series, The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) and the Institute of Engineering and Transport (IET) held a consultation event with local stakeholders within the construction industry. This is the second consultation meeting by the Institute following the first meeting with the aviation industry held in March. Through these consultation sessions, MCAST is continuing to position itself as the leading institution, ensuring that the sector is provided with the top-quality vocational training it requires.

The event was held to discuss and gather feedback from local stakeholders on construction courses offered by the College to students. The content included in various construction courses, students’ performance within the industry after graduating, and strategies to deliver more industrially relevant coursework were debated.

Minister of Public Works and Planning Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said, “We need to communicate clearly the standards and skills needed in the construction sector. Giving value to training and investment in people is crucial. Attracting young people to the different professions and trades in the sector is a priority”.

MCAST Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja said, “New technology is pushing the construction industry into new fields, making it imperative to have a skilled workforce. MCAST strongly believes in closely collaborating with industry partners as this benefits both parties. Students following construction-related courses at the College also follow industry apprenticeship programmes. This real-life experience helps them bolster their knowledge and capabilities to become industry-relevant professionals.”

The College’s Construction Department within the Institute of Engineering and Transport (IET) currently offers construction courses in diverse areas, including demolition, excavation, project management, construction, civil engineering, construction engineering, and health and safety. Course range from level 1 Diplomas up to level 6 Bachelor Degree courses. Several part-time courses are also offered, and applications are now open.