In an exclusive interview with SiGMA TV, MCAST Principal and CEO, Stephen Vella, highlighted how the College has evolved far beyond its early reputation as the leading vocational education college. “The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, MCAST, today is a flagship institution, managing some 8,000 learners”, he said.

With four campuses, including the leading site at Paola and a satellite centre in Gozo, MCAST’s seven institutes now form the backbone of Malta’s vocational education system.

Over the past twenty-five years, the College has deliberately built its reputation through a hands-on, industry-aligned approach to teaching. Staying true to its founding principle, MCAST continues to empower students by meeting them where they are and guiding them towards achieving their full potential.

Flexibility in learning pathways, the transition to self-accreditation, and the growing international recognition of its qualifications have been central to this mission.

 

An international community

MCAST’s reputation is increasingly attracting students from beyond Malta’s shores. Today, international learners comprise 18% of the student body, around 1,300 students representing more than 90 nationalities. This marks a significant increase from just over 200 international students eight years ago.

“Our brand is now being valued overseas,” Vella noted, attributing the growth to the strength of alumni networks and targeted international outreach initiatives.

 

Learning by doing 

At the heart of MCAST’s appeal lies its work-based learning programme. From Level 3 onwards, two-thirds of students spend part of their week in apprenticeships or supervised industry placements.

“We allow our students to work while they study,” Vella explains. “That combination gives them a passport to employability.”

Employers are also integral to this approach. They collaborate in co-designing curricula, commissioning research projects, and participating in freshers’ events.

“We consult the industry on every new programme,” Vella adds. “It’s not enough to respond to today’s labour market needs; we must also anticipate the demands of tomorrow.”

 

Beyond coding: gaming and AI

The College’s contribution to Malta’s digital economy extends beyond traditional IT training. While software development remains a cornerstone, MCAST has integrated creative arts, marketing, and management into its programmes to support the rapidly expanding iGaming sector.

“That combination gives our students an advantage when they enter such a competitive market,” Vella notes.

Artificial intelligence is also reshaping the way courses are designed and delivered. “AI is changing practically everything we are doing right now,” Vella notes.

From aviation to healthcare, MCAST engages in continuous consultation with employers to understand how automation is redefining roles, and to ensure that its graduates are prepared to meet those evolving demands.

 

Micro-credentials for a changing workforce 

A recent initiative has seen the College extend its reach to professionals already in the workforce. MCAST is introducing micro-credentials, short, modular courses designed for individuals who wish to enhance their skills without committing to a full programme of studies.

“These micro-credentials allow people to progress step by step,” Vella explains. “Each course delivers a standalone skill, but collectively they build towards a recognised qualification.”

Industry collaboration remains central to this model. Employers help identify immediate and future needs, ensuring course syllabi align with market demands. In areas such as advanced manufacturing, digital marketing, and artificial intelligence, the goal is to keep Malta’s workforce agile and well-prepared for the challenges of technological change.

 

Practice over theory

Despite the drive for innovation, Vella is clear that MCAST’s foundation remains hands-on learning.

“Our success lies in the way we teach, practical, applied, and always connected to the world of work,” he explains.

Students engage in live briefs, industry projects, and real-world simulations from the outset. This approach ensures that by the time they graduate, they possess strong academic knowledge and portfolios of demonstrable skills and established professional networks.

 

Looking ahead

“Vocational education is the future,” Vella asserts. The challenge, he concedes, lies in maintaining a strong human focus while integrating new technologies into workshops and laboratories.

MCAST’s trajectory reflects this balance: global outlook rooted in local partnerships and academically rigorous and commercially relevant. As Malta continues to shape its identity as a technology-driven economy, the College’s skills-first approach is essential to the nation’s educational and employability landscape.

For Vella, the goal is clear: critical thinking and work readiness can, and must, coexist within every graduate.