A national conference organised by the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), marked an important step forward for the future of trades in Malta. The conference, ‘Revitalising Trades through Innovation and Skills’, at MCAST’s main campus in Paola, brought together government officials, educators, industry experts, and union representatives to explore how the trades sector can adapt and thrive in an ever-changing economy.
The conference was officially opened by the Minister for Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima, who described the revitalisation of the trades as a priority for Malta’s development. The minister spoke about the value of the trades and emphasised, “We need to change the narrative so that this sector is seen as a main road and not as a secondary road. The importance of this sector stems from the fact that this sector built the infrastructure that we are using today and will be crucial for the infrastructure that we need to maintain and improve in the years to come”.
MCAST Principal and Chief Executive Stephen Vella said that Malta must continue to invest in vocational pathways that support both the preservation of traditional skills and the adoption of modern methods. “This is being done to offer opportunities and ensure that we continue to develop programmes that are geared towards the future,” said Mr Vella.
Director Amanda Cassar presented the first set of training programmes from the Institute for Crafts. This training, with an MQF Level 1 and Level 2 certificate, will offer practical education in areas such as metalwork, textile techniques, tilework, stonework and training in the professions related to Construction (Trowel Trades): Certificate in Metalwork; Certificate in Precious Metalwork; Certificate in Textile Techniques; Certificate in Tile Making and Stonework and Certificate in Construction Professions.
