The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) has launched a novel course targeting individuals interested in launching a career in the Butchery sector and also those already working within this industry.

The course will be available for prospective applicants willing to enroll during the current student intake. Through its extended scope and strong theoretical component, the course will be replacing in-house training that used to be delivered at the public abattoir.

MCAST Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja said, “MCAST is being proactive by addressing sectors where skilled workers are needed the most. These sectors include farming, fisheries, and animal sciences. This course will provide opportunities to both those already working within the meat industry and prospects who wish to launch their career within this industry sector. On the 4 September the College will be opening the second call for applications for prospective students willing to join the College next October”.

Diverse study units including, those focusing on, meat quality, animal slaughter, carcass cutting, deboning processing, and advanced butchery techniques will be delivered throughout the course. Prospective applicants will also have the opportunity to follow a 650-hour work placement, ensuring that hands-on industry experience is delivered.

This novel course is part of a number of initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Animal Rights, and the Ministry of Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation in a bid to strengthen the skills of the workforce within the butchery industry.

“It is our mission to provide training and education within every industry sector. Today MCAST has become a leading tertiary educational institution that provides opportunities to all individuals willing to enhance or develop their careers”, said Minister Clifton Grima.

Minister Anton Refalo explained how “this new MCAST course will expose students to all the necessary skills required which help ensure that a final high-quality meat product is provided to the final consumer”.

The General Director of the Public Abattoir Mr Stefan Cachia said, “The public abattoir must be pro-active in the way it provides help to secure a sustainable local meat industry. Help should be holistic and provide more things rather than just financial aid. This new course will help in addressing the shortage of workers within the meat industry”.

Moreover, MCAST and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food, and Animal Rights extended an already existing working agreement (MoU) between the two Institutions. This working partnership will enhance future collaborations aimed at developing more opportunities to enhance the local economy.