The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) launched an initiative titled New Skills for Jobs in the Making – Hack for Skills on 17 November. MCAST students and alumni gathered on campus and stayed overnight at the College to craft and present innovative ideas on shaping future skills.

Forty young people, twenty in Malta and twenty in Cyprus, competed to create the most innovative solutions for skills development over the next decade. The participants grappled with ideas needed in upskilling and reskilling according to industry needs and how learning institutions can meet the challenges of skills needs in an age of artificial intelligence. The Maltese  team includes students and alumni from various disciplines spanning ICT, creative arts, applied sciences, and engineering, showcasing their eagerness to contribute to this event.

The hackathon was dedicated to placing the power of innovation and skills development in the hands of young minds, positioning them as the architects of future skill sets. The essence of this initiative lies in fostering collaboration and creativity among young talent from Malta and Cyprus, uniting them in a competitive yet collaborative hackathon. Divided into groups of five, participants embarked on a mission to conceive a singular solution addressing critical aspects such as skills gaps and mismatches and fostering proactive skills development methods.

The envisioned solutions could include digital tools or new processes or methodologies for skill enhancement, open access to Vocational Education and Training (VET), and fostering collaborative efforts among stakeholders.

 

Before the hackathon, a preparatory workshop curated an insightful session where representatives from CEDEFOP, Cyprus, and Malta shed light on the challenges of skills gaps and mismatches. Notably, the Maltese contingent, alongside industry representatives, engaged in a stimulating pre-hackathon dialogue centred around youth’s pivotal role in shaping MCAST’s academic programmes.

On 24 November, the Cypriot teams will join the Maltese teams at MCAST, and all these teams will present their ideas in front of a joint judging panel.

MCAST spearheaded the initiative as the lead organiser in Malta. The event’s organisational prowess stemmed from a collaborative effort involving key representatives from Cyprus, namely, the Foundation for the Management of European Lifelong Learning (IDEP), the Union of Cyprus Municipalities (UCM) and the Cyprus Human Resources Development Authority (ANAD). The Hackathon is jointly organised with the Western Regional Council, the National Skills Council (NSC), and the European Union Programmes Agency (EUPA).

At the heart of MCAST’s vision lies a commitment to democratising education and extending all students equal opportunities for further and higher education. New Skills for Jobs in the Making – Hack for Skills! exemplifies MCAST’s dedication to empowering students by entrusting them with the mantle of conceptualising groundbreaking ideas and frameworks for future skills development, poised to be implemented within the College.

This initiative marks a significant stride towards active student involvement in decision-making processes, empowering them to shape their future and play a pivotal role in designing tomorrow’s academic curricula. Aligning seamlessly with MCAST’s Strategic Plan 2022-2027 under Transversal Theme 1: “Student Engagement, Retention, Development, and Involvement,” this event signifies a crucial step towards a future where students lead the way in transformative education.