Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg and Minister for Education Justyne Caruana visited the MCAST institution where they met with the engineering department after applications for the Pre-Warrant Qualification Course (PWQC) opened, through which MCAST graduates with a Bachelor of Engineering will now be able to be awarded a warrant as well. Also present was Principal and Chief Executive Professor Joachim James Calleja.
Earlier this year, the ministers announced the Engineering Board’s decision to stop the injustice suffered by students who have been graduating since 2013 and who were not eligible to apply for a warrant.
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital projects Ian Borg said that, “It was a Labour Government that said this is unacceptable and immediately began to work in order to fix this injustice that hundreds of students had suffered. This is a government that never accepts its education system level to be lowered down, and even more so, that young people who strive and study do not get rewarded as they truly deserve. Today we have more clear proof of a Labour Government that has fulfilled another promise”.
After many consultations, including with world-renowned German Board of the Engineering Profession ASIIN, it was agreed that a Pre-Warrant Qualification Course (PWQC) was to be formulated in order to fix the academic shortcomings of the previous courses. Thus, this development has opened up and increased more opportunities for Maltese youths who meet the criteria of the Board and European Standards in order to qualify for a warrant.
“This is the level we want for our country and the quality we want to reach. We want Maltese youths to be recognised globally not only in engineering but also in other fields and sectors. It is also important to say that through this work by a Labour Government we are further breaking the tribalism in our country so that no distinction between University and MCAST graduates is made”, said Minister Ian Borg.
Minister for Education Justyne Caruana said, that today’s occasion at MCAST has important significance because it is a very important achievement for engineering students. She went on to say that, “After years of study at MCAST, the students were for many years denied the right to practice their profession, so a lot of work has been done to address this injustice. Hence this preparatory course so that these students, past as well as those presently studying, can acquire their warrant”.
Minister Caruana said that therefore not only has injustice been addressed, but more students will be encouraged to pursue this profession. Minister Caruana said that, “The engineering profession is important for our country’s economy as well as an important profession for the new niches we are exploring as a country to have a stronger and more resilient economy”. She thanked all those involved for the work done, the MCAST leadership and all the engineering students.
Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja said that, “The first cohorts of the Pre-Warrant Qualification Course, both mechanical and electrical, will start in March and the course will last for one year. Education requirements in the era of Industry 4.0 necessitate a proactive approach towards making learning relevant to the workplace. MCAST offers degrees which are well received by industry, and many of our students go on to further their studies at Master’s and PhD level. We will keep ensuring international standards and excellence in vocational and professional education”.
