The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) together with the Institute of Engineering and Transport (IET) launched the sectorial committee for the manufacturing industry. The event was part of the Encounter MCAST Meets Industry Series supported by the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, research and Innovation.

This newly formed committee will be led by the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering, within the IET.

Speaking during the event launch MCAST Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja said, “It is my strong belief that the more the industry invests in the college, the more MCAST will respond positively, effectively and in a timely manner to industry. Such initiatives ensure that vocational education and training offered is on par and compliments the fast developments occurring in our local economy, including within the manufacturing industry”.

The initiative aims to actively involve key industry players from within the manufacturing sector within the vocational and educational domain.  This will help ensure that courses offered at MCAST are industry-relevant and help prepare students for successful and fruitful careers within the industry.

MCAST Director at the Institute of Engineering and Transport Ing Stephen Sammut said, “This new sectorial committee will see the College effectively working and collaborating with industry partners from within the manufacturing industry. This close work with the industry helps us ensure the provision of quality vocational education and training at MCAST, in line with modern industry demands”.

During a panel discussion held, key speakers outlined the importance of apprenticeships to students and discussed the importance of having young students engaging in STEM education. Deputy Directors at the Institute of Engineering and Transport Ing Paul Bartolo and Ing Carolina Sofia explained the importance of this initiative for current and prospective Engineering students at MCAST.

MCAST Director at the College’s Apprenticeships Department Dr Romina Borg explained, “Apprenticeships are important for several reasons. They provide a way for employers to recruit and develop a highly-skilled workforce that helps grow their business. Moreover, they offer students a combination of academic and technical instruction with paid work experience across various sectors, providing them with hands-on career training and improved skills and competencies.”