MEDE teams up with agribusinesses on practical training

The Ministry for Education and Employment (MEDE) signed a partnership agreement with the different sectors within the agribusiness industry in order to incorporate learning in schools with practical training to be held out of the school for secondary students, according to a press statement the government’s Department of Information published. The ministry expects to help students in garnering hands-on learning experience.

Agribusiness and four other vocational subjects were added to the secondary school curriculum in the 2015-2016 academic year, for both state and non-state (church and independent, respectively) institutions. The subjects are optional for students from From 3 to Form 5, and are accrited as SEC qualifications by the Matriculation and Secondary Education Certificate (MATSEC) Examinations Board.

Currently 74 students are enrolled in studying SEC Agribusinesses, the DOI press statement says. Under the recently signed agreement, all students in Forms 3, 4 and 5 studying SEC and SEAC Agribusiness will have the opportunity to carry out the practical tasks of the agribusiness syllabus at the field/farm premises. The current partnership is scheduled to be launched as of the start of the 2019-2020 academic year, according to the press statement.

Minister for Education and Employment Evarist Bartolo believes Malta has to make efforts in attracting more of the youth to the agriculture industry, in order to enhance the sustainable development of the archipelago. The current programme is based on work-integrated learning and exposes students to practical knowledge for the young age, while also improves their intellectual abilities and makes them more employable, the press statement says. Parliament Secretary Clifton Grima adds that the initiative provides additional resources to the country’s educational system.

“Today, after reaching an agreement with the hotel industry and tying up the hospitality curriculum with the industry, we are celebrating another step in the right direction, that of reaching an agreement with the industry of agribusiness,” says Permanent Secretary Frank Fabri. “Through ‘My Journey’, there will be parity of esteem between all subjects and all programmes will be inclusive and equitable,” Mr Fabri adds.