Last Updated on Tuesday, 13 August, 2019 at 11:02 am by Christian Keszthelyi
Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hudson Group Ltd for offering students exposure to the retail sector, opening up space for training in the industry, according to a press statement by MCAST.
Beyond the Advanced Diploma in Fashion and Retail training offered by the MCAST Institute of Creative Arts, the educational institution believes formal education stands on weak legs related to retail careers. Nevertheless, the retail industry is one of the leading employers in Malta, MCAST notes.
In the framework of the recently signed cooperation, the two bodies will provide students with theoretical and practical training. Hudson Group employees will support the development of the current curriculum and will run lectures and workshops for the MCAST students in some retail-related fields, the press statement says. Apprenticeship possibilities will be offered for students on an annual basis, to expand their knowledge by providing work experience.
“The retail industry offers many interesting career opportunities with many exciting roles in areas such as brand management, retail store management, visual merchandising, planning and buying, and marketing among others. Being a major player in the retail and distribution industry in Malta and the Mediterranean region, we feel we are an ideal partner to support MCAST in its mission to bridge the skills gap and prepare their students for employment in the industry” says Alfie Borg, Hudson Group CEO.
Hudson Group is an international retailer and distributor primarily involved in the sport and fashion wear sectors, headquartered in Malta, present through offices in Italy, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. “Though Hudson Holdings was founded in 2006, the group’s roots reach as far back as 1987 when the first pair of Nike was sold in Malta,” Hudson says.
In Malta, Hudson Group represents sports brands such as Nike, Converse, Timberland, Crocs, Eastpak, New Era plus franchisees of GoSport from France. They own franchise concepts, such as Urban Jungle and House of Sport, across Malta, as well as operate the stores of New Look, River Island, United Colors of Benetton, 3INA and Kiabi. Internationally, the group currently has a direct retail presence in European and African countries as well as a distribution base covering over 30 territories.
