MCAST hosted eight principals from different vocational colleges in Ireland on 3 May. The delegation included representatives from Ballyfermot College, BIFE, Coláiste Íde College of Further Education, DIFE, FTE, GTI, Mayo College, St John’s Central College and Waterford College of Further Education. This visit saw the delegation actively collaborating, sharing insights on vocational education, and exploring innovative approaches.

The visit provided a unique platform for the principals to engage with MCAST staff and gain firsthand knowledge of the College’s teaching methods and state-of-the-art technology. The discussions centred on addressing individual student needs, enhancing skills, fostering student activism, and promoting apprenticeships.

Principal and CEO Prof Joachim James Calleja expressed his gratitude to the Irish group for their visit, underscoring the mutual benefits of such exchanges in fostering international collaboration and sharing best practices.

The Irish principals expressed their appreciation for the invaluable experience. They had the opportunity to visit the MCAST campus and converse with some institute directors and the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (ARIC). Furthermore, they spoke about the difficulties of vocational education in today’s changing education landscape and shared ideas for overcoming these hurdles.