MCAST is celebrating the success of another 1,863 students who completed courses at Levels 1 to 4 during the last academic year. This week, through a number of ceremonies at the MCAST Main Campus, in Paola, 698 students are receiving certificates for successfully completing one of MCAST’s 40 different MQF Level 4 courses, including diploma and extended diploma programmes.

Next week, another 103 students will also be receiving certificates, these will be for completing Level 1 to 4 courses at MCAST’s Gozo Centres at Xaghra and Xewkija.

1,046 students in Malta will also be receiving certificates for one of 47 different MQF Level 1 to 3 courses, including the Introductory Certificate and the Foundation Programme. The students completed courses in agribusiness, applied science, art and design, building and construction engineering, business and commerce, community services, electrical and electronics engineering, information and communication technology (ICT), mechanical engineering and maritime studies.

Over 72% of the students who are receiving Level 1 to 4 certificates this month are continuing their studies at MCAST through higher level courses. Mr Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal and CEO, explained that these ceremonies celebrate the achievements of young individuals who opted to continue studying rather than seeking employment soon after finishing compulsory education.

“This is not the easiest option – students deserve all the support and encouragement they can get to overcome the challenges that this career path brings along. In this regard, our dedicated team of staff is always ready to support the students at all stages of their academic progress and personal development. This month’s ceremonies are the culmination of this collaboration between our students, their families and our lecturers, support and administrative members of staff.”

The Principal also noted that the vast majority of students who completed Level 1 to 3 courses opted to continue their studies at a higher level. Most of the students who obtained Level 4 qualifications, which are considered to be high level awards that lead to rewarding jobs in the industry, chose to continue their studies at MCAST as well.

“The commitment of these students to continue their studies even after they have achieved qualifications that present them with employment opportunities is highly commendable. At the same time, we hope that students who have now started their employment career will use the skills and values acquired at MCAST to achieve their aspirations. We encourage you not to close the door to further education, and to remain committed to updating and developing your skills and qualifications throughout your careers.”

17 students, 16 in Malta and one in Gozo, are receiving certificates for completing the MCAST Pathway to Independent Living Programme, a course designed to help individuals with mild to moderate disabilities or learning difficulties acquire the necessary skills for independent living.

In December, another cohort of 625 students was conferred with higher national diplomas or bachelor’s degrees after completing MCAST Level 5 and 6 programmes, while 71 students received certificates after completing MCAST aviation maintenance courses.

In total, over 2,500 students successfully completed MCAST courses during the 2011/2012 academic year.

Among the students who are receiving certificates for successfully completing courses at the Institute of Information and Communication Technology, there are 359 whose studies were financed through MCAST’s European Social Fund project ESF 1.33, entitled ‘Increasing Student Capacity in ICT in Malta.’

Through this project, which started in 2009 and will continue until 2014, MCAST obtained the necessary resources to provide ICT training to over 1,613 students. This investment aims to provide the necessary technical and professional personnel required to meet the present and future demands of the local ICT industry.

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