The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) and the Malta Crafts Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) pledging a collaborative relationship to enhance the awareness of traditional artisan trades and to strengthen the education provision of skills involved in the innovation of these crafts. The agreement was signed at the College’s Institute for the Creative Arts in Mosta, which offers a wide selection of courses on a full-time and part-time basis.

Central to this collaboration are the MCAST students and craft-makers, who will play an active role in exploring ways to develop and promote educational awareness and programmes on traditional crafts and trades.

The collaboration will extend beyond the signing of the MOU, as both entities will work together to identify apprenticeship and work placement options in the sector, ensuring a practical and hands-on approach to learning.

MCAST Principal and CEO, Prof. Joachim James Calleja, expressed satisfaction with the signing of this MOU. He said: “This MOU will open the doors for our students to obtain a better understanding of the artisan sector, experience opportunities within this industry and experience first-hand Maltese crafts and trades through work-based learning.

“The College needs to be of service to our communities by promoting and enhancing the appreciation of crafts and trades in Malta. The College intends to promulgate the skills to safeguard against the disappearance of different crafts”.

The CEO of the Malta Crafts Foundation, Mr Elton Micallef, welcomed the signing of the MOU. He said: “Whether for their aesthetic beauty or for their practical use, artisanal products have been an integral part of Maltese heritage and local traditions for centuries.

“This MOU will help guarantee the sustainability of the sector by filling in the skills gap which is being felt in many industry sectors around the globe. This is particularly a challenge within the local crafts sector, where despite a growing labour market there are less people who are trained to work with their hands or to be creative. The MOU will also contribute to bring in fresh ideas and the element of innovation, which are much needed for the survival and sustainability of the local artisan sector”.