Since MCAST opened its doors in 2001, the College has evolved dramatically, thanks to visionary leadership that has driven innovation. These leaders left indelible marks through their unique visions, inspiring us as we celebrate the College’s 25th anniversary by revisiting their achievements.

In 2001, Mr. Frederick Fearne was appointed Principal, with Mr. Victor Scicluna as President of the Board of Governors. Together, they laid the foundations for the new College. Mr. Fearne also mentored his successor, Mr. Roy Snelling, who became Principal and CEO in 2002 and served until 2004. Under Mr. Snelling’s stewardship and Mr. Fearne’s unfailing collaboration, MCAST expanded rapidly with the opening of the Gozo Campus and the launch of three new Institutes. Mr Snelling took pride in the role, declaring, “It is anticipated that MCAST will become a centre of excellence in vocational education and training.”

In 2004, Mr. Frank Edwards assumed the role of Principal and CEO, emphasising, “I feel it is critically important for the College to play its part in meeting the country’s need for a vibrant economy and education system.” He spearheaded major initiatives, such as MCAST becoming the first college in Europe to receive the Edexcel International Centre of Excellence Award. In 2006, Mr. Paul A. Attard became President of the Board of Governors, playing a pivotal role in advancing vocational education and training (VET). He affirmed, “MCAST’s mission is to deliver universally accessible vocational and professional education and training with an international dimension … [and] we are delivering this mission.”

In 2008, Prof. Ing. Maurice Grech took over as Principal and CEO, expanding the College’s accreditations. Key milestones included launching MCAST’s first Level 6 bachelor’s degree courses in September 2010 and the first vocational degrees in December of that year, alongside the newly appointed President, Mr. Joseph Farrugia. Between 2012 and 2013, leadership transitioned to Mr. Stephen Cachia as Principal and CEO and Dr. Silvio De Bono as President. MCAST flourished with developments like a state-of-the-art digital TV studio at the Mosta Campus, the inauguration of the Institute for Applied Sciences, and a new professional gym at the Paola Main Campus. Growth continued: the Gozo Campus expanded in September 2014, and in October 2017, MCAST introduced its first master’s programmes at MQF Level 7.

In 2018, Mr. Frederick Schembri and Prof. Joachim James Calleja stepped in as President and Principal/CEO respectively. They advanced MCAST’s inclusive mission through Masterplan 2018, which emphasized a socialised, student-centred, and community-focused campus. The challenging years of 2020 and 2021 saw Prof. Ian Refalo appointed President amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In a joint statement for the 20th anniversary MCASTlink issue, Principal Prof. Joachim James Calleja and President Prof. Ian Refalo noted, “Twenty years into the life of an educational institution, and having experienced a pandemic, technology is re-prioritised as the new platform for education and training.” This underscored the College’s resilience in delivering quality education amid technological shifts.

Most recently, in 2024, Mr. Stephen Vella and Mr. Horace Laudi became Principal/CEO and President respectively, navigating tensions from ongoing MUT directives. The signing of a new collective agreement in 2025 resolved these issues, with Mr. Vella stating, “This milestone reaffirms our commitment to valuing our educators and staff, whose well-being is essential to the success and growth of our entire College community.”

Over 25 years, MCAST has overcome challenges and embraced transformative growth, all thanks to the steadfast leadership of those who guided it. As we reflect on their legacies, let us draw inspiration from their achievements and commitment to excellence.