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I refer to the letter published on Sunday 24 October 2004, entitled ‘The need to re-open the trade schools’ by Chev Charles G Cutajar, Floriana. For information and clarification MCAST is currently catering for all those students who, prior to the setting up of MCAST, would have attended the trade schools. MCAST has taken over all the programmes that were previously offered by the trade schools. The rationale for improving the trade school provision was based on the recommendations from several foreign senior advisors as well as the Maltese Trade School Reform Committee.
The College offers a definite improvement regarding what was previously offered at the trade schools. At MCAST a broader range of vocational skills are available for students and as one would expect the facilities and equipment are vastly improved. Another important point is that MCAST has an inclusive vocational educational and training policy, which is one College for all students. Students “who do not have a high level school certificate” are not marginalised, they are treated as MCAST students and they have the opportunity to progress to higher levels (level 1 to 4) within the College as do all other students. Whilst in the past trade schools provided an important supply of skills to the labour market, MCAST is responding to a changing labour market that requires flexible skills, knowledge, innovation and the holistic development of the young person. MCAST is committed to providing opportunity for all and improving the vocational experience of those placed within the College's care and trust. At MCAST we will strive to build on the strengths of the past and develop a vocational experience that will meet the expectations of students, parents, employers and our country as well as adopting a holistic approach to the development of students.
Caroline Cassar
Communications Officer
Paola
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