The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) held an award ceremony to celebrate the achievements of 21 graduates from the College’s Centre of Agriculture, Aquatics and Animal Sciences (CAAAS).

All students followed a bespoke course designed for Fisheries Trainee Officers and were awarded a level 3 certificate in Fisheries Management and Administration.

The course carried out over six months, was designed to help Fisheries Trainee Officers raise the bar in several skills pivotal in their day-to-day operations with fishers.

During the ceremony Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Rights Anton Refalo said, “The Government always believed in the importance of Education, and now it is clear that the Government is giving importance also to the fisheries department. The government is providing initiatives, to help both the sector and also those who work in this important sector.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Animal Welfare Alicia Bugeja Said, explained that “Education has always been the main key towards unlocking social and economic progress in our country. You as graduates, have this opportunity to continue enacting progress, in this economically, culturally and socially pivotal sector for our country.”

Thanks to your involvement, you are helping our country take the necessary decisions, to create a new future

Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja said, “MCAST strongly believes in the importance of upskilling and continuous learning within the agricultural and fisheries industries. The importance of such skilling in such sectors is also increasingly recognised because these are hugely regulated sectors by the European Union and other entities. Our Centre of Agriculture offers unique courses, and we encourage you to continue your learning journey.”

Director for Fisheries Gilbert Balzan congratulated the employees and said their determination and dedication to complete the course were admirable. He said that the participants already had considerable work experience, and this course helped to strengthen skills, including communication, the use of technology, data collection, law enforcement and management. The course also included hands-on laboratory training where participants could analyse different aquatic species.

Deputy Principal Ronald Curmi and CAAS Deputy Director Malcolm Borg also addressed the students and congratulated them on their success.

Around 200 full-time and 150 part-time students follow courses at MCAST’s Centre of Agriculture, Aquatics and Animal Sciences (CAAAS). The Centre offers animal management, veterinary nursing, fisheries and agriculture courses.