Francesca Cassar, a former MCAST student, graduated in 2006 with a BTEC National Diploma in Early Years. She takes pride in being part of the inaugural group of students to complete this programme. Currently, Ms Cassar works as an Early Years teacher in the private sector, where she applies her educational background to nurture young learners.

Reflecting on her time at MCAST, Ms Cassar notes that her cohort was quite small, being one of the first groups to undertake the programme. This intimate setting fostered close bonds among the students, as well as strong relationships with their lecturers. She emphasizes that the lecturers were incredibly supportive and provided valuable assistance throughout the course.

Ms Cassar highlights the significance of the relationship between students and lecturers, stating that it is essential for building trust, engagement and motivation. She explains that such relationships encourage open communication, offer personalized guidance and create a positive learning environment, all of which enhance both academic and personal growth.

Whilst studying, Ms Cassar was fortunate to have had the opportunity to complete both an apprenticeship and an internship. Both these opportunities provided her with the invaluable learning experiences found in the educational school settings.

Through the apprenticeship Ms Cassar gained hands-on experience by working directly in the classroom, assisting the teachers, and also interacting with the students. Experiencing this practical approach was especially beneficial for Ms Cassar. This was because she learned best through hands-on experience. She  goes on to say that the experience allowed her to develop essential skills, understand the dynamics of a classroom, and most importantly helped her build confidence for her future role as an educator.

Her internship enriched her learning experience further by offering several opportunities. She was able to observe and participate in various teaching strategies, collaborate with experienced educators, and understand the daily responsibilities of a teacher. Ms Cassar notes that this experience allowed her to apply the educational theories she had studied, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application in the classroom. She stresses that both experiences were invaluable to her. This is because they shaped her approach to teaching and also provided her with a strong foundation, practical skills and a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of classroom practices.

In summary, Ms Cassar’s story highlights the importance of apprenticeships and internships for students. As she explains, these opportunities allow students to gain hands-on experience in their future workplaces, laying the groundwork for their professional success.