During a visit to the Paola campus of the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, MCAST, Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that the Government will continue to strengthen investment in vocational education so that more quality opportunities are available to Maltese and Gozitan youth.
During Freshers’ Week, accompanied by the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima, the Prime Minister met with many students, including those who started a course at MCAST this year. In fact, there are just over 3,600 new students at MCAST this year in various courses. This year, students also entered the Institute of Crafts, which the Government opened with a commitment to increasing Maltese craftsmanship among young people. In total, there are just over 9,200 students at MCAST, which represents a 2% increase over the previous year.
Prime Minister Abela also noted the investment being made in the ICT Institute, a 3,420 square metre building that will be completed in the near future to provide the best environment and educational facilities for students, including state-of-the-art laboratories. The Prime Minister also pointed out the measures introduced by the Government to support students, including a grant of €1,500 over three years to be given to the parents of those students who continue to study after compulsory education. MCAST students are also benefiting from this measure.
Robert Abela stressed that the best for our youth and families means supporting them throughout an important educational journey so that the youth can then seize the best opportunities that the country is offering. He also reminded of the strengthening of stipends, including in courses in emerging sectors and said that the stipend is there to stay to support the life of the student. The Prime Minister also met with several lecturers who began to benefit from the best agreement for MCAST educators and workers. Dr Abela said that this best agreement means another strong investment in the educational sector. Thus, MCAST continued to strengthen the necessary tools to continue attracting the best specialized educators in different fields who provide important training to students in favor of a clear future with concrete options to advance in life in quality careers.
Photo: OPM/DOI
