The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST), as part of the ‘Encounter – MCAST Meets the Industry’ series, held an event seminar with the theme, ‘Employment and Skills in Gozo’.

MCAST representatives and key industry stakeholders participated in panel discussions where the dynamic nature of the Gozitian industry, society, and ideas that could be implemented for a better way forward were discussed.

The College recognises the need to focus on Gozo’s labour market and address the challenge of the region’s current and future skills requirements. With its Gozo Campus, MCAST is well-placed to offer both full-time and part-time courses that address reskilling and upskilling needs. Deputy Principal Dr Mario Cardona emphasised this in his opening address.

Speaking during the event Director of MCAST’s Education and Training Programmes and Learning Support Ramon Mangion said, “It’s important that different stakeholders in Gozo come together towards a common goal. Having people equipped with the right skills positively affects the economy, industry, and society at large.”

Proceedings from the event as a report was forwarded to key stakeholders, namely MCAST Institutes, Gozo Campus, the Gozo Regional Development Authority, and the Gozo Business Chamber. Discussions will continue based on this feedback so that courses can be reviewed and updated as part of the regular periodic programme review cycle in line with the College’s practice to keep courses relevant to the world of employment.

Director at MCAST’s Gozo Campus, Ing. Godwin Grech, explained, “The MCAST Gozo Campus is driven by the College’s mission statement to provide training that fulfils the needs of the individual and the economy. We strive to consolidate MCAST’s relationship with industrial partners, Gozitan employers, and the business community to respond to their skills shortages, needs and mismatches through our training programmes.”

Mr Jurgen Attard, Senior Manager Research & Policy gave a presentation on a study carried out by the GRDA which analysed employment and skills in Gozo. In his presentation Mr Attard identified a number of challenges, both on the demand for and supply of skills, although he stated that, “on balance it appears that presently and especially in the future, the harder challenges appear to be skewed towards the demand side. The supply of skills manifests strong potential but that the type of skills demanded leads to missed opportunities, especially for highly qualified individuals, which forces them to commute or migrate”.

Mr Daniel Borg CEO of the Gozo Business Chamber thanked MCAST for providing this discussion platform to not only focus on present needs but also anticipating future skills.

As part of the Encounter Series, MCAST has collaborated with different stakeholders to ensure its programmes remain competitive and relevant. MCAST representatives and key industry stakeholders participated in panel discussions where the dynamic nature of the Gozitian industry, society, and ideas that could be implemented for a better way forward were discussed.

This event was organised in collaboration with the Gozo Business Chamber and the Gozo Regional Development Authority.

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