The Maltese College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) is developing a new building of approximately €13 million for the Institute of Information and Communication Technology (IICT) as part of a project of over €32 million co-financed by the EU.
The institute provides diploma and degree courses leading to careers in software development, artificial intelligence, computer systems and networks, multimedia and other sectors that require graduates with sophisticated and highly skilled digital skills. More than ninety percent of the institute’s graduates find work related to their chosen field of study, and the statistics of the applications being made for the next school year of the college show that this is one of the institutes that attract the most applications.
The construction works are going on at a fast pace and the building is expected to welcome the first students by June 2023. The new IICT building is part of the College’s efforts to establish itself as an international center of excellence in vocational education and training (VET). The building is located on the Paola Campus opposite the new Resource Centre, and will include 58 learning spaces, including laboratories and lecture rooms, 13 offices and a 500 meter multipurpose space square. The IICT center is spread over four floors.
The Minister for Education Clifton Grima spoke about the holistic plan of MCAST in what is infrastructure and said that the development of the MCAST campus, with an investment of tens of millions is a direct investment not only in education, but in the students and future workers of the country. “A few months ago we just inaugurated the Resource Center with an investment of €9.3 million, also co-financed by European Union funds. With this ongoing project of around €13 million, we are showing that this Government is putting a high priority on the education of our children and is giving them the best and most beautiful environment possible to continue with their education”, said Minister Grima.
The Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett said that of the €32 million there are around €30 million which are European funds from the European Regional Development Fund. He said that thanks to this investment the students will enjoy a new center in which they will study IT at the highest level. “As a government we will continue to invest in MCAST also from the European Funds program 2021-2027. As the number of students choosing to study at MCAST is constantly increasing, both on a full-time and part-time basis due to the educational experience that this college offers”, said Parliamentary Secretary Chris Bonnet.
MCAST Principal and Chief Executive Joachim James Calleja said, “This is a really exciting time for the college, and the investment in a purpose-built building is unprecedented. This new building will help MCAST to nurture the ICT professionals of the future. We will continue to work with industry to ensure that the College plays a leading role in shaping the education and training of future workers. We look forward with enthusiasm to the next phase of the project to continue offering our students top quality facilities”.
During the visit, Engineer Jesmond Zammit, who is the Head of MCAST for Capital Projects, explained the function of the building and also the phases of work that is going on at a fast pace in this the new center.
