In line with MCAST’s commitment to strengthen its “learning by doing” approach, the Institute of Engineering and Transport (IET) – Mechanical Engineering has received eight brand-new industrial Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) training kits. This investment was made possible through the financial support of the MCAST Erasmus+ Projects and Mobility Office.

PLC systems are widely used in industry to automate and control machinery and processes across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and building automation. The new training kits offer students a safe and practical environment to programme, wire, and troubleshoot real automation systems—equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in modern engineering careers.

The PLC kits were locally constructed by the Maltese company iAutomate, which not only supplied the equipment but also upgraded the package and provided additional sponsorship to enhance the final solution. This collaboration ensures that students benefit from high-quality, industry-standard tools that reflect current technological trends.

Students following programmes in Mechatronics, Control Engineering, and related areas at IET will directly benefit from this investment. The kits will support lecturers in delivering more engaging, applied lessons and will help learners develop critical problem-solving and technical skills required in today’s automated industries.

A handover event was held to mark the occasion, showcasing the equipment and acknowledging the valuable cooperation between the Erasmus+ Projects and Mobility Office, iAutomate, and the IET Mechanical Engineering Department.

This initiative highlights MCAST’s ongoing efforts to enhance the student learning experience, strengthen industry links, and continue investing in modern teaching tools that prepare learners for the evolving demands of the workplace.