1,863 students have completed courses at Levels 1 to 4 during the last academic year at MCAST.

This week a number of ceremonies at the MCAST Main Campus in Paola were held, seeing 698 students receiving certificates for successfully completing one of MCAST’s 40 different MQF Level 4 courses.

Another 1,046 students will 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 certificates this month are continuing their studies at MCAST through higher level courses. 

MCAST Principal and CEO Stephen Cachia 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 and students deserve all the support and encouragement they can get to overcome the challenges that this career path brings along”.

Next week, another 103 students are also receiving certificates at MCAST’s Gozo Centres at Xagħra and Xewkija.

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, 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.