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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT, BOARD OF GOVERNORS |
We all expect the government to provide a vocational education of the highest level
and quality and professional training which guides students, irrespective of their
age, so that they can obtain the knowledge, the competences and the skills they
need to acquire qualifications which will be recognised both in Malta and abroad.
Moreover, we expect the government to invest in appropriate human, physical and
financial resources so as to create learning environments that protect the students
and encourage them to give their utmost in their studies and training.
We expect MCAST to translate into practice the government’s vision and priorities
for education and training by fulfilling its mission in the most effective and efficient
way. We also expect the College to serve its students’ needs – youths and adults
both – and cater for the needs of the local industries and economy. Last but not
least, we expect MCAST to flexibly address existing and new skills needed by the
industrial, business and services sectors.
Notwithstanding all that is expected of the authorities, it is the students – youths
and adults alike – who have to grasp the opportunities on offer and make the most
of them. No one today expects to be given a job or a career or a livelihood on a
golden platter, without his having done his best to win that job, that career or
that livelihood. Whoever wants to find the job he or she deserves, start a career
and earn an adequate livelihood, must strive to acquire the knowledge, the competences
and the skills needed to obtain the relevant qualifications in his area of interest.
Whoever wants to become an active citizen in our society must develop the abilities
needed so that he can take care of himself, his family and his community.
In the 2010 MCAST Prospectus, you should find a wide variety of courses, at different
levels and in different areas. Whilst making your choice, be careful to choose what
is best for you according to your qualifications, your aptitudes and your wishes.
Some believe vocational education and vocational training courses are much easier
than courses with a more accentuated academic emphasis. Some even say that you don’t
have to exert yourself all that much to get a vocational certificate or diploma.
Those who harbour this frame of mind have absolutely no idea what they’re talking
about. Indeed such persons usually have fairly limited ambitions and will be happy
with acquiring only a few elementary and repetitive skills, with which they’ll manage
to get a job which is gradually becoming obsolete and which will eventually land
them in the dire straits of unemployment since, unfortunately, that will be the
only training they would have acquired. Whoever believes vocational education and
training are the easy way out has no healthy ambition, because he does not want
to develop his full potential, and is thus turning his back on success and a fulfilling
career.
Youths and adults who are really ambitious strive to acquire a good working knowledge
of the area that interests them. They make every effort to acquire the competences
and skills they will need for their career and do their utmost to develop and mature
as persons which, after all, is what lifelong learning is all about. Ambitious youths
and adults consider lifelong knowledge as a key to a career or a job that will bring
lifelong satisfaction.
Such youths and adults know that there are no free meal tickets – no one is going
to earn their livelihood for them. Nowadays, no job is guaranteed and it is no longer
a case of a job for a lifetime. In today’s world, where technology, products and
services are constantly changing, workers need to continue training and explore
new areas, improve their competences, upgrade their skills and keep themselves abreast
of innovations.
The 2010 MCAST Prospectus presents the prospective applicants with a wide selection
of courses. The College offers different entry points and loads of opportunities
for the successful student; he can, for example, progress to the next level.
Before you decide what course you’re going to choose, think things through and take
all the advice you think you need. Don’t forget that to acquire good qualifications
you need to study and work hard. What you decide today will determine your tomorrow.
Be ambitious, aim high. You’ll succeed and thanks to you our country will continue
to strengthen and progress.
Mr. Paul A. Attard
President
Board of Governors
MCAST
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