MCAST launches Act and Strategic Plan for consultation

MCAST has launched the consultation process for the new Act and the Strategic Plan 2022-2027. Both initiatives aim to strengthen vocational and professional education in Malta and the College’s position as a community college for all.

The proposed new legislation means MCAST will now have an act of its own that is distinct and separate from the Education Act. The Act seeks to provide further autonomy to MCAST and address the industry developments by providing quality vocational education and training. The Act also promotes strengthening accountability and transparency.

In the Strategic Plan 2022-2027, the College sets its ambition to sustain the strategic direction and to strengthen its links to the community. This will include closer cooperation with public and private entities to build a more dynamic workforce. It also prioritises the structured use of its resources to empower active citizenship and support lifelong learning.

Minister for Education Justyne Caruana said: “I am proud to oversee that MCAST is revisiting its Strategic Plan to keep persisting in improving the learning and working experience of students and staff members. The new Act will also enable the College to gain a higher national and international profile. This government believes in the potential which the College has to develop into a community college for all, to welcome learners and to become a hub for learning activities by establishing lasting partnerships.”

MCAST Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja said: “As MCAST celebrates its 20th anniversary, we can look back and be proud of its growth. With a clear plan, we can now look ahead with an outward-looking and responsive role to the changing labour market. Being a community college means that learners will consider MCAST not simply as an institution where you enrol for 2 or 4 years but as a place where one can continue learning and designing their career.

President of the Board of Governors Professor Ian Refalo spoke of the significance of this act for VET education describing it as an important milestone for education but also for industry. Speaking about the importance of the consultation process, Director for Strategy Implementation Edel Cassar announced that an online consultation meeting for employers will be held online on 25 May while the draft document and information are available on mcast.edu.mt. The consultation period closes of 18 June.