INTERVIEW WITH DR SILVIO DE BONO PRESIDENT OF
Transcription
INTERVIEW WITH DR SILVIO DE BONO PRESIDENT OF
MCAST LINK SUMMER ISSUE 44 INTERVIEW WITH DR SILVIO DE BONO PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS MCAST’S COLLABORATION WITH INDUSTRY A SHOWCASE TO YOUR FUTURE CAREER Discover MCAST and the courses on offer Collect your free copy of the new 2014/2015 Full-time Courses Prospectus and Application Form Engage in different hands-on activities Explore student projects and innovations Talk to employers about different career opportunities Discuss your career prospects with our career advisers 25–28 June 3–8 July MCAST Main Campus, Paola Institute of Art and Design, Mosta DON’T MISS THE INFORMATION TALKS 25-27 June APPLICATIONS 21 July - 1August MORE INFO: www.mcast.edu.mt C Your first address when shopping for style M Y CM MY CY CMY K ANTOINE DE PAULE SQUARE, PAOLA • MAINSTREETPAOLA.COM • FACEBOOK.COM/MAINSTREETPAOLA JECT PART-FINANCED PROJECT PART-FINANCED PROJECT PART-FINANCED BY UNION THE EUROPEAN UNION HE EUROPEAN BY THE EUROPEAN UNION PROJECT PART-FINANCED European Social Fund BY THE EUROPEAN UNION pean Social Fund European Social Fund PROJECT PART-FINANCED ESF 2.85 - LINKING INDUSTRIAL NEEDS AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO OPTIMISE HUMAN CAPITAL European Social Fund ESF 2.85 - LINKING INDUSTRIAL BY THE EUROPEAN UNION NEEDS AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION ESFPROJECT 2.85 - LINKING INDUSTRIAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING TONEEDS OPTIMISE HUMAN CAPITAL PART-FINANCED FREE COURSES: ESFAND 2.85 - LINKING INDUSTRIAL NEEDS ANDHUMAN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION European Social Fund TRAINING TO OPTIMISE CAPITAL BEVERAGES BY THE EUROPEAN PROJECTUNION PART-FINANCED FREE TRAINING FREE FOR FREE TRAINING European Social Fund BEVERAGES FOOD WORKERS FREE COURSES: KING INDUSTRIAL NEEDS AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION BEVERAGES FINANCIAL SERVICES FREE FURNITURE TRAINING FOR AND TRAINING TO OPTIMISE HUMAN CAPITAL FOOD ICT FINANCIAL SERVICES FREE COURSES: NEEDS AND ESF 2.85 - LINKING INDUSTRIAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION TRAIN www.mcast.edu.mt TRAINING FREE FURNITURE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR FOOD TO OPTIMISE HUMAN AND TRAINING CAPITAL WORKERS ICT MARITIME T: 2398 7704 FREE COURSES: TRAINING FOR FREE FURNITURE INFRASTRUCTURE PHARMACEUTICALS F WORKERS MARITIME FOR AND CHEMICALS ICT WORKERS TRAINING FREE COURSES: www.mcast.edu.mt PHARMACEUTICALS PLASTICS FREE INFRASTRUCTURE WORKERS AND CHEMICALS BEVERAGES PRINTING FOR www.mcast.edu.mt T: 2398 7704 TRAINING PLASTICS www.mcast.edu.mt MARITIME FINANCIAL SERVICES T PRINTING www.mcast.edu.mt FOOD FOR T: 2398 7704 WORKERS PHARMACEUTICALS T: 2398 7704 FURNITURE T: 2398 7704 D N AND TRAINING TO OPTIMISE HUMAN CAPITAL FINANCIAL SERVICES FREE COURSES: ESF 2.85 - LINKING INDUSTRIAL NEEDS AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION FOOD EuropeanBY Social Fund THE EUROPEAN UNION AND TRAINING TO OPTIMISE HUMAN CAPITAL FURNITURE BEVERAGES FREE COURSES: ICT FREE COURSES: ESF 2.85 - LINKING INDUSTRIAL NEEDS ANDFINANCIAL VOCATIONALSERVICES EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRAINING TO OPTIMISE HUMAN CAPITAL MARITIME PHARMACEUTICALS BEVERAGES AND CHEMICALS FINANCIAL SERVICES PLASTICS BEVERAGESFOOD PRINTING G INDUSTRIAL NEEDS AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION FINANCIAL SERVICES FURNITURE TRAINING TO OPTIMISE HUMAN CAPITAL FOOD ICT BEVERAGES FURNITURE INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCIAL SERVICES ICT FREE COURSES: MARITIME FOOD INFRASTRUCTURE Operational Programme II – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 BEVERAGES FURNITURE MARITIME PHARMACEUTICALS Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life AND CHEMICALS FINANCIAL SERVICES PHARMACEUTICALS ICT FOOD Project part financed by the European Union PLASTICS AND CHEMICALS FURNITURE INFRASTRUCTURE European Social Fund PLASTICS PRINTING ICT MARITIME WORKERS (ESF)Co-financing rate: 85% EU Funds; 15% National Funds INFRASTRUCTURE PHARMACEUTICALS MARITIME AND CHEMICALS in your future PHARMACEUTICALS Operational Programme II – CohesionInvesting Policy 2007-2013 PLASTICS AND CHEMICALS Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better QualityIIof– Cohesion Life PLASTICS Operational Operational Programme 2007-2013 PRINTINGProgramme II – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 Operational Programme II – Cohesion PolicyPolicy 2007-2013 Project part financed byEmpowering the European Union PRINTING People More a Better Empowering People for for More JobsJobs and aand Better Quality Quality of Life of Life 2013 007-2013 of Life uality of Life nion Funds PRINTING AND CHEMICALS www.mcast.edu.mt PLASTICS FREE COURSE MATERIAL WILL BE PROVIDED TO EACH PARTICIPANT www.mcast.edu.mt T: 2398 7704 PRINTING T: 2398 7704 Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life European Social Project Fund part financed by the Union Union Project part financed byEuropean the European Project part financed by the European UnionSocial Fund EuropeanFunds Social Fund (ESF)Co-financing rate: 85% EU Funds; 15%European National European Social Fund (ESF)Co-financing rate: 85%85% EU Funds; 15% National Funds Funds (ESF)Co-financing rate: EU Funds; 15% National (ESF)Co-financing rate: 85% EU Funds; 15% National Funds Investing in your future Investing in your future Investing in your future Investing in your future Operational Programme II – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life Operational Programme II – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 Project part financed by the European Union Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life Project part financed by the European Union European Social Fund European Social Fund (ESF)Co-financing rate: 85% EU Funds; 15% National Funds(ESF)Co-financing rate: 85% EU Funds; 15% National Funds ional Funds Investing in your future Investing in your future FR WORKE www.mcast.ed WO T: 2398 ICT INFRASTRUCTURE MARITIME PHARMACEUTICALS AND CHEMICALS PLASTICS PRINTING www.mc T EDITOR’S MESSAGE We end this term with a showcase of the College at the MCAST EXPO which will be held between the 25 and 28 June at MCAST Main Campus, Paola. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover more about MCAST’s ten Institutes and the Gozo Centre. We look forward to meeting you there! This edition includes the first interview with Dr Silvio De Bono, President of the Board of Governors. Learn more about our new President, how his career developed, what his vision and aims for MCAST are. MCAST is collaborating with industry and other third parties to provide its students with more opportunities. The Partners’ Conference, held for the first time at MCAST, is featured together with the signing of agreements of collaboration that MCAST has undertaken during the past months. Discover MCAST’s Pathway to Independent Living Programme through an interesting article that depicts how students with disabilities now have the opportunity to learn basic life skills that will enable them to live an independent life. Lecturers within this unit delve into their areas of teaching to uncover what this course is all about. MCAST’s first day against Homophobia, the Charity Marathon, the NSTF Science EXPO, Spring Days and the College’s new Entrepreneurship Centre all feature within the magazine. Summer is finally with us. I wish you all relaxing holidays, after a busy, challenging academic year! Find us on Facebook MCASTlink is produced by the Communications and PR Office Produced & Edited: Caroline Balzan, Communications & PR Manager Design: Roderick Peresso Printing: Colour Image Proofreading: Joyce Hili Advertising enquiries: [email protected] All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without written permission. All reasonable care is taken to ensure truth and accurancy, but the editor cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions in articles, advertising, photographs or illustrations. EDITOR’S MESSAGE 3 EDITOR’S MESSAGE pg3 INSTITUTE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES pg44 INTERVIEW pg5 SUPPORT SERVICES pg47 INFORMATION pg8 INSTITUTE OF BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE pg48 pg22 SPORTS DEPARTMENT MARITIME INSTITUTE pg51 pg24 GRADUATION INSTITUTE OF APPLIED SCIENCE pg55 pg26 LEARNING AND SUPPORT UNIT INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND COMMERCE pg58 pg27 ACHIEVE A LEVEL 3 VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION INSTITUTE OF ART AND DESIGN pg62 pg30 FASION IS NOT A GARMENT INSTITUTE OF AGRIBUSINESS pg64 pg39 GOZO CENTRE INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY pg66 pg40 INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING pg43 MCAST EXPO 2014 4 INTERVIEW WITH DR SILVIO DE BONO How did your career develop? I come from a very humble background. While still at school there were teachers that discouraged me yet I was adamant that I wanted to learn, that I wanted to improve myself and move on. I started my career carrying out a work placement at Xandir Malta (now PBS) as a producer journalist in the newsroom. I loved this and spent nine and a half years working there and have INTERVIEW 5 to admit that my first love was journalism. After nine years working there I felt I had to move on. I was looking for something I enjoy doing and that is working with people. Back then HR was still in its infancy. My job was then at the Foundation for Human Resources... I was one of the very first employees as a FHRD Field Executive. My role was to promote HR doctrine among members. After a short spell there I then ventured out with other partners in setting up different businesses and, around ten years ago, I branched out completely on my own. I knew I wanted to work with people and in management and felt that I really found my place. I wear two hats. I am a Management Consultant by profession dealing with organisational behaviour. I also lecture at the University of Malta and Maastricht School of Management. My post at MCAST bridges these two areas as I deal with industry and the vocational aspect of education. It’s all about learning and building learning opportunities for our students. My aim is to improve and build on what others have built before me throughout the years. I believe it is my duty, together with the Board and the Principal, to take the College another step forward. MCAST Strategy is aimed to address Societal Challenges ...expand on this. I believe that MCAST is one of those educational pillars which are there to shape our economy. We should be more proactive in providing job opportunities not only for current industry needs but opportunities for industry yet to come. We need to identify potential industry coming to Malta. Yet we cannot do this alone. In fact what we have been doing over the past months is building better bridges with industry. The setting up of a joint committee between MCAST and industry is another milestone. This is a permanent structure that would enable MCAST to have regular contact with industry. We involved all the stakeholders including the trade unions. We firmly believe that in order to move forward we need all the stakeholders on board. The Partners’ Conference held in January was another milestone for the College as it was the first of its kind organised by MCAST and provided industry with the opportunity to come over and learn more about what we offer and how we could work closer together. Our mission is to build MCAST on three pillars. The first pillar is crosscurricular learning. No longer are the days that students should study within one Institute. It is more enriching for students to diversify and acquire different skills that would help them in their chosen career. For example a person within the Agribusiness Institute could carry out modules within the Business and Commerce and ICT Institutes. The different skills obtained by the students will increase their competence and employability. 6 INTERVIEW The second pillar is Entrepreneurship. We now have a MCAST Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC). It is still in its embryonic stage yet it is developing. In fact we have signed an agreement with the Kordin Business Incubation Centre (KBIC) whereby they will assign a number of units to MCAST students who individually or in groups will embark on projects with potential for commercialization. The third pillar that the College is focusing on is Apprenticeships. Apprenticeships should be part and parcel of the learning process. We have now been entrusted to take over the management of appreticehsip to ensure better placements in line with the studies as well as be able to actively monitor the students’ developments. In fact we are currently finalising the details and working on a transition plan. You intend to focus on research. What do you intend to do? I strongly believe that MCAST, together with other tertiary education institutions, can carry out research with industry. In fact we have already made a good number of contacts with different entities that all ready to carry out research with MCAST. For example we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Malta Intelligent Energy Management Agency (MIEMA) that will see both parties collaborate to set up a joint Renewable Energy Sources Research Centre focusing on renewable energy sources and issues on environmental sustainability. We have also just signed an agreement with award-winning Maltese neuroscience and medical technologies company AAT Research to develop a joint inter-disciplinary research centre. Research helps us to innovate and this ties with what I was saying earlier on. If we want to be proactive and offer programmes for tomorrow’s needs, research should be an integral part of our institution. You mention changing the perception of MCAST. MCAST is now offering degree programmes just like other applied colleges in Europe. It is no longer a second option but is now equal to any other education institution offering degree courses. In fact we have students with the entry requirements to proceed to University but choose MCAST instead as they specifically want a vocational career that can guarantee a job at the end of their studies. Our graduates find employment the day after as there is great demand for MCAST graduates. MCAST doesn’t just offer degree courses but also offers programmes from Levels 1 to 6 providing opportunities to all. The way forward is to look for opportunities we have around us, including but not limited to EU funds. INTERVIEW 7 INFORMATION From left: Dr Silvio De Bono, Hon Dr Ian Borg, Mr Stephen Cachia, Hon Dr Joseph Muscat and Hon Dr Joe Cassar having a look at the model of the new MCAST Campus. 8 INFORMATION INAUGURATION OF THE INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND COMMERCE NEW BUILDING The new Institute of Business and Commerce building, which forms part of the larger project on the Main Campus, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Hon Dr Joseph Muscat and Education Minister Hon Evarist Bartolo on Wednesday 21 May 2014. Since 2011, €20 million were invested in the Institutes of Business and Commerce and Applied Science, a car park, sport facilities and a student house, which will be finished by next year. The next phase of the development will include the main square, a library and the ICT Institute. MCAST Principal and CEO, Stephen Cachia said that this infrastructural development and the review of curricula over the next two years will keep breathing life in MCAST so that the College remains relevant to the country’s needs. President of the Board of Governors, Dr. Silvio Debono said that this is one of a series of projects currently in progress at this campus; and that further collaboration with social partners is required. “The student needs remain at the core of all developments, and curriculum changes are also underway, to offer a broader choice of studies for students.” Hon Evarist Bartolo spoke about the Gozo campus and mentioned that the government was looking into investing in a campus in Gozo to give the campus “dignity and visibility”. He urged administrators to maintain the flexibility they have also shown, especially when there was a vacuum in the local market and the College had to provide new training. “It is not acceptable that the MCAST in Gozo gets the leftovers - with a section in the Xagħra Primary School and another in the Xewkija Primary School.” MCAST and the University of Malta. “Progress is not measured by the number of buildings inaugurated, but rather by the amount of high flyers and qualifiers our country has.” Prime Minister Hon Dr Joseph Muscat said that courses at MCAST need to comply with the economic and employment needs of our country. He also mentioned the need for more synergy between Parliamentary Secretary Ian Borg commented that European Union funds allocated for MCAST have been raised up to €9million euro from the previous legislature, adding to a total of €20million in funds. Hon Evarist Bartolo addressing the guests at the inauguration ceremony INFORMATION 9 Dr Silvio De Bono and Dr Mario Vella MCAST AND MALTA ENTERPRISE COLLABORATE TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH ACCESS TO ENTREPRENEURIAL WORLD MCAST and Malta Enterprise signed an agreement which will see both sides collaborating to provide MCAST students with easier entry to the entrepreneurial world and a framework for innovative ideas to thrive. This framework will help students with original ideas to start and develop a successful business. As a result of this agreement, Malta Enterprise will assign a number of units at the Kordin Business Incubation Centre (KBIC) to MCAST. These units will be made available for MCAST students who individually or in groups will embark on projects with potential for commercialization. The parties agree to set up a Projects Board that will be formed primarily to evaluate business proposals put forward by MCAST students. This board will be composed of MCAST officials and a Malta Enterprise representative. This agreement was signed by Dr Mario Vella, Malta Enterprise Chairman and Dr Silvio De Bono, MCAST President of the Board of Governors in the presence of Hon Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and Employment, and Hon Chris Cardona, Minister of 10 INFORMATION Economy, Investment and Small Business, as well as Mr Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal and CEO. “We are extremely proud that once again, we are associating ourselves with Malta Enterprise, this time through close collaboration that will see MCAST students provided with space within KBIC - an ideal place for our students to nurture, grow and launch their business ideas,” said Dr Silvio De Bono. “MCAST has embarked on a process to develop and support entrepreneurship as a key skill for our students. We are currently strengthening this area through the introduction of new developments including the setting up of an Entrepreneurship Committee to manage these initiatives and identify new ways of encouraging more students to develop their entrepreneurial potential. The College has also embarked on a process to develop entrepreneurship as an important curricular element across all levels. Each MCAST institute has also appointed one of its staff members to act as an entrepreneurship champion who will provide students with the necessary guidance about start-ups. The signing of this agreement takes our collaboration with Malta Enterprise to a higher level and forms part of MCAST’s strategy to support and promote entrepreneurship,” added Dr De Bono. MCAST COLLABORATING WITH STAKEHOLDERS TO DEVELOP AND SUPPORT ENTREPRENEURSHIP Mr Stephen Cachia receiving the donation from Mr Paul Abela Throughout the last few months MCAST has embarked on a process to develop and support entrepreneurship and innovation as key skills for our students. The College is currently strengthening this area through collaboration with various stakeholders. The College received a donation from the GRTU to further invest and strengthen initiatives in entrepreneurship. Mr Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal and CEO, spoke about the various initiatives that the College is currently working on for innovative ideas to thrive. He mentioned that the response from students has been excellent and there are around sixty students interested in developing their business ideas further. The College has also embarked on a process to develop entrepreneurship as an important curricular element across all levels. He thanked the GRTU for their financial assistance and stated the importance of collaboration with industry in order to continuously update the curriculum and make it relevant to the needs of industry. Mr Paul Abela, President of the GRTU, stated that he firmly believed in the entrepreneurship projects MCAST was working on. “We represent small and medium-sized enterprises and therefore took this College project to develop entrepreneurship very seriously”. Mr Abela praised the College for the initiatives it was taking and ensured the full support of the GRTU. MCAST SIGNS COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENT WITH AAT RESEARCH Award-winning Maltese neuroscience and medical technologies company AAT Research today signed a collaborative agreement with the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology to develop a joint inter-disciplinary research centre. The agreement creates an Institute of Human Physiology and Cognition at MCAST. AAT Research develops affordable technologies to improve people’s quality of life. Its first product, the award-winning, patented Mente™, is a neurofeedback device for home use in the management of autism in children. Since early 2014, Mente™ is being marketed internationally. AAT Research also conducts neuroscience research projects for international clients. The conception of this new Institute will initiate a new venture, whereas aspiring students will have the opportunity to enroll into new courses targeted at training the attendees in the niche industries which are going through exponential growth throughout the global scene. This will enrich the Maltese Educational Sector and open new academic and occupational opportunities, which to this day were virtually inexistent in Malta. MCAST President of the Board of Governors, Dr Silvio De Bono welcomed the signing of the agreement as an example of MCAST making research and education relevant to industries such as the emerging medical and bio-sciences sector. Dr Adrian Attard Trevisan, founder and Managing Director of AAT Research, said that the agreement crystallised an existing relationship MCAST: “Some of our top people are MCAST graduates and From left: Dr Silvo De Bono and Dr Adrian Attard Trevisan in the presence of Hon Evarist Bartolo and Mr Stephen Cachia The collaboration will provide students we are keen to encourage young people at MCAST with access to AAT to enter the exciting neurosciences sector, Research’s labs and hands-on experience of applied technologies in which has applications in fields as diverse as medicine and marketing.” the commercial sector. Under the agreement, AAT Research will also be offering internships to students following engineering, softwareThe signing of the agreement at the MCAST campus in Paola was related, business and administration courses. attended by Hon. Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and Employment. INFORMATION 11 MCAST CONNECTS WITH INDUSTRY On 23 April 2014 MCAST organised a business breakfast for industry entitled ‘On the Job Training’. The business breakfast, part of a series called ‘Industry Connect’, focussed on the importance and benefits of on the job training and apprenticeships MEP CANDIDATES PARTICIPATE IN DEBATES AT MCAST MEP candidates from the three main political parties took part in several debates at MCAST Main Campus. They discussed, among other things, the creation of jobs for MCAST graduates. 12 INFORMATION MCAST AND MIEMA COLLABORATE TO SET UP RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES RESEARCH CENTRE MCAST and the Malta Intelligent Energy Management Agency (MIEMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see both parties collaborate to set up a joint Renewable Energy Sources Research Centre focusing on renewable energy sources and issues on environmental sustainability. The Research Centre, which will be set up within the Institute of Applied Science, aims to conduct research activities on energy and environmental issues, carry out studies and issue publications on related topics, develop and participate in relevant national, EU and international projects, offer support to policymakers, national and local authorities, offer internships to students or research mobility programmes, organise thematic discussion events, educational and training activities, conferences and seminars. MCAST and MIEMA are also collaborating on an Italia-Malta Regional Development Fund project, named Crim-Safri, which aims to set up a biomass pilot plant and a biomass research centre (biomass is biological material derived from living or recently living organisms). The research project, worth €2,191,647.00, focuses on the sustainability of small/medium enterprises (SMEs) working predominantly within the building and construction sector. The aim of the project is to create a research centre with the aim of supporting local authorities, clusters of SMEs and SMEs to implement sustainable consumption and production strategies which include environmental sustainability and renewable energy exploitation. The biomass pilot plant shall operate within one chosen SME firm, and will convert construction wood waste into energy. This energy will then be fed directly into the national energy grid, providing the SME firm with a revenue for the waste that has been utilized. This will make the firm’s operational activities more sustainable and will also reduce the need for the firm to dispose of its waste materials. The pilot research on biomass conversion for small firms is expected to provide new learning into how these firms can become more sustainable by turning their waste into energy, as opposed to disposing of it. The project is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Italia-Malta Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2007-2013. INFORMATION 13 MCAST PARTNERS’ CONFERENCE FOSTERING COLLABORATION IN THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY On 31 January 2014, MCAST held its first Partners’ Conference entitled ‘Fostering Collaboration in the Knowledge Economy’. This conference explored the theme of collaboration between business, academia and government in supporting innovative projects, reducing risks, creating partnerships, knowledge exchange and open innovation through clustering activities thereby promoting economic growth, business development and employment opportunities for students. As an important institution for further and higher education and a leader in vocational training, MCAST feels the need to respond to these challenges by constantly seeking to explore avenues of collaboration in order to engage and partner with industry and enterprise - including public and private sector institutions - in order to ensure that MCAST responds to the changing needs of our society and our economy. The conference centred on three themes. The first session entitled ‘Education and Business Collaboration’, focused on ensuring higher levels 14 INFORMATION of convergence between vocational training and industry. The second theme, ‘Sustaining Business Competitiveness through Research and Education’, looked into the themes of research and innovation, while the third theme dealt with preparing for tomorrow’s workforce. Towards the end of the conference different social partners got together to discuss further. Hon. Evarist Bartolo spoke about the major challenge that we are currently facing namely that of making sure that we have right people with the right skills and the right work ethic. He stated that we need an ongoing audit of skills to see whether we are preparing our students with the right skills relevant to the world of work out there. He stressed that our students need to learn how to solve problems, how to work in teams and how to communicate effectively. Dr Silvio De Bono, MCAST President of the Board of Governors, mentioned the aims of the conference, namely the strengthening of the existing, excellent relationships with Industry, the fostering of collaboration in various projects and initiatives and the identification of weaknesses and development of solutions. He stated that the strategy of the new Board is to be more proactive to industry’s needs and added that the College is working to make the vocational programmes more flexible and to ensure cross-curricular activities. Also the College is in progress of promoting entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship as an integral part of the curriculum and is looking into increasing the content of work-based learning activities through different schemes. He concluded by emphasising the importance of MCAST and Industry working closely together through a structured relationship. Mr Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal and CEO, spoke about the important challenges that the College is currently working on. These include the new MCAST Campus building and the important curriculum changes. He also mentioned the important role of industry in different areas. This is vital for the College. ‘Our role is to balance the needs of industry with our educational role in preparing students holistically for employment and for their role in society’, stated Mr Cachia. The speakers included Hon. Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and Employment, Prof Godfrey Baldacchino, University of Malta, Anton Borg, Deputy President Malta Chamber of Commerce, John Cassar White, Chairman BOV, Stephan Drewes, CEO Lufthansa Technik Malta, Dollsy Darmanin, HR Manager Playmobil Malta, Alfred Grixti, Executive Chairman ETC, Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, Executive Chairman MCST, Mario Vella, Chairman Malta Enterprise, Saviour Zammit, Director Centre for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation, Dr Silvio De Bono, President MCAST Board of Governors and Chairman MG2I, Stephen Cachia, Principal and CEO MCAST, Vince Maione, Deputy Principal MCAST and Oscar Borg, Partnerships Director MCAST. Members on the panel included Paul Abela, GRTU, Anton Borg, Chamber of Commerce, Vince Cassar, MCAST and Josef Vella, UĦM. The Hon Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat, presented the certificates to the partnerships companies at the end of the Conference. INFORMATION 15 AVIATION MAINTENANCE PRESENTATION OF AWARDS CEREMONY On Wednesday 26 February 2014 MCAST held the Aviation Maintenance Presentation of Awards Ceremony at MCAST Main Campus. Sixty four students received certificates for successfully completing the following courses: MCAST Aircraft Maintenance Technician Course (Leading to EASA Part -66 CAT B 1.1 Examinations), MCAST Aircraft Maintenance Technician Course (Leading to EASA Part -66 CAT B2 Avionics Examinations), and EASA Part-66 Aircraft Maintenance Category 'A' Licence Course. In 2004 the College took up the challenge to provide highly-trained workforce for this fast growing industry. To date the College has already trained over 450 students who are presently working with airlines and MROs, while another 70 students are currently enrolled on the College’s full-time and part-time courses. The College now boasts a state-of-the-art Aviation Maintenance Training Centre, qualified lecturers and examiners, training, examination 16 INFORMATION and quality assurance procedures, as well as the approval by the European Aviation Safety Authority for Category A1 training and certification. Resources include two dedicated training workshops, one for Basic Training and one for Sheet Metal Training, three classrooms for theory lessons and two computer-based training rooms. During the presentation of awards ceremony Hon. Evarist Bartolo mentioned the Skills Gap Analysis that will be carried out together with CEDEFOP, to identify present and future skills gaps in the economy. Hon. Karmenu Vella mentioned that the aviation maintenance sector is developing and has potential for further growth. He said that the foreign companies like Lufthansa Technik and SR Technics have invested in Malta mainly due to the skilled human resources available. Dr Silvio De Bono, President of the MCAST Board of Governors, mentioned that MCAST has set up a permanent structure whereby the College and Industry could work together to provide students with the right skills required by industry. Mr Stephen Cachia, Principal and CEO, stressed on the importance of the work ethic and soft skills at the place of work. He also thanked industry for working closely with MCAST. MCAST AND AFM TO COLLABORATE TOGETHER MCAST and the Armed Forces of Malta have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see both parties collaborate to provide reciprocal knowledge, skills and competencies-based training and assistance to both AFM personnel and MCAST students. This agreement will provide MCAST students with the opportunity to carry out apprenticeship placements at the AFM’s workshops as well as offer AFM personnel the chance to enrol on MCAST’s full-time and part-time courses and receive training in maritime, aviation maintenance, mechanical and electrical engineering as well as building and construction engineering areas of study. The AFM and MCAST will cooperate to review the syllabi of military trades of a civilian nature for the syllabi to reflect the advancement in technology and the needs of the industries according to current educational standards. MCAST will also certify the training related to the military trades of a civilian nature where training is carried out by the AFM. Dr Silvio De Bono, President of the MCAST Board of Governors stated that he is privileged to be signing this agreement of collaboration with the AFM. “During the past few months MCAST has signed a number of agreements with private industry and this collaboration with the AFM is another bridge that will render MCAST more relevant to our students needs”. Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi stated that both parties will benefit from this agreement. “The AFM will utilise MCAST’s expertise in education for the benefit of our personnel through the provision of learning and training opportunities while MCAST students will benefit from apprenticeships and will have access to the Army’s new, technologically-advanced equipment”. ANDREW TRIGANZA SCOTT NEW DIRECTOR FOR HUMAN RESOURCES Andrew Triganza Scott is an educator by profession. He is a trained Personal and Social Development teacher with 13 years teaching experience. He has been active in the PSD Teachers Association and has also held the position of President of the PSD Teachers Association. Andrew Triganza Scott holds a B. Psy (Hons.), a PGCE, an M.Ed. (Melit.) and an MBA. Mr Triganza Scott has also carried out various lecturing duties as parttime visiting lecturer on various occasions namely at the University of Malta within the Department of Education Studies and the Department of Sport and Leisure Studies in the Faculty of Education. He has delivered courses within the Department of Public Policy in the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy and the Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Education. He has also delivered graduate and undergraduate courses at the European Institute of Education (EIE) in the degree of Psychology and the Master of Business and Administration (MBA). He has previously worked on consultancy projects with Human Factors International in particular on Corporate Audits especially with merging organizations. Mr Triganza Scott is a co-author of ‘Educational Leaders in the Making’, a book on exploring the developmental and leadership pathways of educational leaders with Dr Vincent Cassar and Dr Christopher Bezzina. Mr Triganza Scott carried out consultant projects and delivered training with the International Training Organization the International Centre for Training and Development in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) mainly focusing on Strategic Human Resources Management and Excellence Models in Business Management. Mr Triganza Scott has undertaken a national study analyzing the ‘Skills Gap’ between the manufacturing sector and MCAST which he also published. He has carried out various studies and international research collaborations in Organizational Psychology, Social Psychology, Educational Psychology and Economic Psychology, both locally at the University of Malta and with foreign institutions in Japan, Austria and USA. Currently Mr Andrew Triganza Scott is the Director for Human Resources at the MCAST. He is currently engaged on updating the HR Information System and setting up policy documents in the management codes pertaining to HR. INFORMATION 17 DAVID COLEIRO NEW DIRECTOR FOR THE INSTITUTE OF AGRIBUSINESS Mr. David Coleiro is the newly appointed Director at the Agribusiness Institute. He has been working at MCAST for more than eight years having joined in February 2006. Mr. Coleiro graduated in Pharmacy from the University of Malta in 1994 and obtained his Masters Degree in Agricultural and Veterinary Pharmacy from the University of Malta in 1996. He started his professional career in Pharmacy as a medical representative, detailing medical products, including veterinary products, in Malta and Libya. Later he managed several local pharmacies within the private sector. He has also been involved in various projects related to the agricultural and veterinary sector including the translation of EU directives and regulations into Maltese and training programmes for local farmers. progressed to Senior Lecturer in 2008. Within the Agribusiness Institute he has covered most roles including those of Internal Verifier for BTEC units (Animal Management and Horticulture), Coordinator for Level 6 - Bachelor of Science programmes and Institute Coordinator for the last four years. He also led the institute as acting director during the academic year 2012-2013. Mr. Coleiro has also been directly involved in several European funded projects such as those for upgrading of skills within the pharmaceutical sector, and is still involved with projects related to upgrading of MCAST courses from level 1 to 6. Mr. Coleiro is married to Nadya and they have two children. Mr. Coleiro joined the Institute of Agribusiness within MCAST in early 2006 as a lecturer in animal science, animal biology and sustainable development. Two years later, he successfully obtained a BTEC Higher Diploma in Further Education Teaching to further support his lecturing and pedagogical skills. He ING LOUIS AQUILINA NEW PARTNERSHIPS OFFICE DIRECTOR 18 INFORMATION JOSEF BUTTIGIEG NEW DIRECTOR OF THE ISTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND COMMERCE Mr Josef Buttigieg has been recently appointed Director of the Institute of Business and Commerce. He is no new face to MCAST as he has been contributing to this organisation prior to its setting up in 2001. After graduating in Education, specialising in Commercial subjects, Mr Buttigieg taught at both Secondary Schools as well as at the Paolino Vassallo Upper Lyceum, covering commercial subjects at Ordinary, Intermediate and Advanced level. Parallel to this, he opted to pursue further Youth Studies, an area which he had been involved in for quite a few years both locally as well as Internationally through the European Youth Forum and related projects. At the local level, Mr Buttigieg was actively involved in a number of youth organisations. He also contributed directly to a number of national events and initiatives. Amongst a variety of others, he was actively involved in the Steering Committee for one of the initial National Minimum Curriculum reviews, as well as the setting up of the first National Youth Policy Malta ever had. Mr Buttigieg joined MCAST Institute of Business and Commerce as a Deputy Director in its early days. He was involved in the development of the Institute’s curriculum and training provision as well as a variety of projects and initiatives which the Institute embarked upon over the years. Media involvement is something which characterised quite a number of years in Mr Buttigieg’s voluntary involvement in a considerable number of NGOs. He has been involved in the setting up and running of one of the first community radios on the Island. He was also involved in the management of a private radio station, where he also experienced journalism. Over the years he has been involved in the production and presentation of quite a number of radio programmes and features for both private radio and TV stations, as well as the National Broadcaster. Involvement in media also led to a brief and very interesting adventure with Vatican Radio. One of his interests is Culture, especially Maltese culture and folkloristic aspects, and whenever he manages to find some free time, he involves himself in related activities. Ing Louis Aquilina is the recently appointed Director at the Partnership sOffice. He has been working at MCAST for over five years having joined in April 2009. Ing Aquilina graduated in Electrical Engineering from the University of Malta in 1987. He started his professional career in engineering with SGS (now ST Microelectronics). During his 21 years there he covered various roles from assembly engineering to production management. During his last 13 years at ST he was responsible for production and engineering management of Quad Flat Pack (QFP), integrated circuits assembly lines used in a wide spectrum of applications from automotive to consumer electronics. a lecturer, eventually being promoted to Senior Lecturer after attaining the Post Graduate Certificate in Vocational Education and Training (PGC in VET). He lectured in various subjects including Marine Electrical Systems, Mechatronics, Quality and Business Improvement, Industrial Process Controllers and Robotics at Levels 4 and 5. He also lectured Level 6 students in Control Engineering, Electrical Technology, Power Generation, Marine Electrical Technology and Quality Assurance apart from mentoring and tutoring Levels 4, 5 and 6 students in connection with their final year projects. He furthered his engineering studies at postgraduate level at the University of Malta, graduating in MSc in Telecommunications in 2000. He joined GSD, local manufacturers of the Coca Cola range of products, as Production and Quality Manager before switching to MCAST in 2009. Ing Aquilina joined the MCAST Institute of Mechanical Engineering as Early this year his career progressed to Director at the Partnerships Office. The role of his office is to run part-time courses for adults and bespoke courses for the local industry, and also partner with local stakeholders and foreign industry and institutions to provide quality training addressing their needs both locally and abroad. INFORMATION 19 NSTS SCIENCE EXPO 20 INFORMATION O INFORMATION 21 ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE MCAST ENTREPRENEU CENTRE During the past academic year MCAST has been working on setting up the MCAST Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC). This Centre will provide a route for MCAST students into entrepreneurship by assisting them to implement their entrepreneurial ambitions. The Centre will act as an incubator for MCAST students who wish to start up their own businesses. MEC’s role is to foster a culture of entrepreneurship amongst students. The services will be available to those students who are still attending College, as well as ex-alumni of MCAST. The Centre aims to address the setting up of entrepreneurial activities through the implementation of start-ups and the support of students and MCAST alumni. It will also set up cooperation with the business community in order to systematically support start-ups. Some of the activities that will be organised include: a. Networking and joint initiatives with local and foreign schools and colleges, businesses, business representatives and other entities in the community b. The provision of training in entrepreneurship and related subjects c. Visits and exchanges to local industrial and business organisations or similar venues which will illustrate various economic activities. Can anyone become an entrepreneur? Well, the honest truth is, probably not… but the experience of entrepreneurship is invaluable, as it will help to develop an entrepreneurial mindset that will translate into more effective employment skills. Below is a student’s view of taking on the “entrepreneurship challenge”, as she calls it. “The first big challenge I faced was that of coming up with an innovative business idea. I always thought of myself as not being much of a creative and innovative person, however following some exercises, I surprised myself. The project I ran does not exist anymore but the experience I gained from it was invaluable. 22 ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE I loved working on this project. From the creation of its Facebook page, organizing a taster workshop, talking about it with people and getting in touch with new and successful “faces” were all challenges that I thoroughly enjoyed. I had a taste of what it is like working beyond the usual 9am to 5pm timeframe, which I didn’t resent, because I began to love working and actually became passionate about it. “A man may die, nations rise and fall, but an idea lives on.” JOHN F KENNEDY A challenge that I was worried about was making business phone calls to people. I was okay sending countless emails and speaking to people face to face about the project, however the phone calls pushed me to the limits of my comfort zone. One phrase that has been repeated to me many times is “don’t limit yourself”; this piece of advice has driven me to do things I always thought I could not do. I would recommend to young entrepreneurs to take note of this, not limiting themselves because of age or any other factors”. (Stephanie Camilleri ) If you are interested in finding out more about MEC and wish to sound out an idea you may have, please contact either Dr Michelle Gialanze, [email protected] or Mr Ray Vella, [email protected]. URSHIP From left: Dr Michelle Gialanze and Mr Ray Vella ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE 23 MARITIME INSTITUTE GRIMALDI GROUP DONATES €20,000 FOR THE UPGRADE OF THE BRIDGE AND COMMUNICATIONS SIMULATOR AND PRESENTS MCAST STUDENTS WITH €10,000 CASH PRIZES 24 MARITIME INSTITUTE On Wednesday 14 May 2014, Grimaldi Group and its local company Malta Motorways of the Sea Ltd presented MCAST with a donation of €20,000 to upgrade the Bridge and Communications Simulator and another €10,000 cash prizes to three Maritime Institute cadets who distinguished themselves with outstanding results during their studies. The Bridge and Communications Simulator is an essential part of Maritime Training especially as MCAST offers training opportunities that will lead to employment within a European and International context. Simulation training is also an International Maritime Organisation (IMO) requirement for the acquisition of international maritime certifications. Simulation exercises offer a safe learning opportunity to become proficient in bridge and communication control situations before the students move on to consolidate their experience with actual navigation at sea. This simulator upgrade is essential due to the rapid developments taking place within the Maritime Industry. An updated simulator provides hands-on training opportunities for the mariner to further his or her studies with the latest technology and equipment. Earlier on in March 2007 Malta Motorways of the Sea Ltd donated € 130,000 to upgrade the Institute’s Bridge and Communications Simulator. The Grimaldi Award is a prestigious prize presented to the MCAST Maritime Institute cadets who distinguish themselves with outstanding results during their studies. Kenneth Grima, Aris Giorgio Papanicolos and Philip Andrew Muscat received the award for obtaining the best results during their studies and sea training as part of the three-year Officer in Charge Navigational Watch Course, which they successfully completed last year. Students who join this course spend two academic years studying at the Institute and 12 months training as cadets on board different ships, travelling across international sea routes and visiting many ports across the globe. The award, including a total of €10,000 in cash prizes, is sponsored by Grimaldi Group and its local company Malta Motorways of the Sea Ltd, as part of a longestablished collaboration with the MCAST Maritime Institute. Maltese cadets are also offered opportunities to undertake their sea time training on board vessels sailing under the flag of Malta Motorways of the Sea Ltd. and other companies of the Grimaldi Group. Hon. Joe Mizzi, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure and Hon. Chris Agius, Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sports, Dr Guido Grimaldi, Director of Malta Motorways of the Sea Ltd, Dr Silvio De Bono, President of the MCAST Board of Governors, Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal and CEO, and Capt. Ghassan Abdullah, the Institute’s Director, presented the awards to the three young officers on Wednesday 14 May 2014, at the Maritime Institute in Kalkara. Dr Guido Grimaldi, Director Grimaldi Group, said that they are very satisfied with the cadets that they have recruited from MCAST and are fully committed to further support maritime studies and the career development of the students. Dr Silvio De Bono, President of the MCAST Board of Governors thanked Grimaldi Group for their donation and congratulated the three officers on their exceptional achievements. He mentioned the importance of the College’s close contact with industry in order to keep the College courses updated and the students adequately prepared for employment. Chris Agius, Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sports stated, “This initiative is important to help students further their studies and eventually specialise in diverse areas thus increasing our country’s educational pool. The government is committed to help all students who aim to specialise in key areas. However funding is limited and it is thanks to private companies such as Grimaldi Lines we are achieving our aims.” Joe Mizzi, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure thanked Grimaldi Group for their continued support to the Maltese shipping industry. He mentioned the recent developments in the Maritime sector that are making Malta a centre of excellence in maritime services. He stated that this initiative with Grimaldi Group, to support the training of Maltese cadets, is a key milestone that Government will continue to nurture. The MCAST Maritime Institute is renowned as Malta’s most advanced maritime education and training institution, supporting the local maritime industry with the provision of qualified and experienced seafarers. It offers courses that lead to local and international qualifications required by individuals aspiring for a career in this industry, as well as for maritime enthusiasts, including owners and drivers of all kinds of boats and pleasure crafts. MARITIME INSTITUTE 25 INSTITUTE OF APPLIED SCIENCE THE LEVES PROJECT The Institute of Applied Science has partnered with a German College in Mochengladbach to coordinate a Comenius project to study the effect of the classroom’s physical environment on the students’ learning abilities. The first visit took place in Malta at the Institute of Applied Science. During this eleven-day visit all participants worked together to set up the parameters for the experiments to be carried out. The German participants also had the opportunity to attend Maltese language classes. There were also entertainment activities organised for all, including visits to heritage sites, a treasure hunt in Mdina as well as a BBQ at Ghar Lapsi. The scientific component was designed to investigate the effect that physical variables such as temperature, noise, wall colour, humidity and light have on the students’ learning abilities. The following learning psychological criteria were investigated: 26 INSTITUTE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Short term memory Long term memory Reasoning Attention Understanding Performance The students believe that the physical factors of the classroom will affect their learning according to the comfort of the classroom and how it enables them to focus and concentrate. Classroom investigations revealed that different learning skills are affected by different factors as for example, silence enhances performance but negatively affects understanding and attention. The classroom colour purple was mostly seen to be negatively affecting learning. Factors such as temperature of 22˚C and the classroom colour green have an overall positive effect on all learning skills except for reasoning. From the tests carried out reasoning was the only criterion which was not positively affected by any physical conditions tested. INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND COMMERCE INNOVATIVE AND ORIGINAL PLANS PRESENTED BY BUSINESS AND COMMERCE DEGREE STUDENTS INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND COMMERCE 27 Nine teams of young potential entrepreneurs participated in the annual Business Plan Presentation organised by the MCAST Institute of Business and Commerce. This event, which forms part of the Entrepreneurship Module, has become a yearly calendar appointment for the undergraduates reading for a B.A. (Hons) in Business Enterprise. The Business Plans included a multifaceted wireless charger for electronic devices, the solution to endless parking hassles, a one-stop shop for the budget-conscious traveller, a primary school which promises to mould Malta’s future entrepreneurs, a mobile app alerting investors of bull and bear markets, a structure enabling PV panels to absorb 30% more solar energy, a fitness board game, a genie aiding professionals with their errands and an intelligent parking clock. The Entrepreneurship Module consolidates the theory acquired by the students over the years and seeks to develop the entrepreneurial potential within each student. “It is very positive to see students reaping the fruits of hard work which they would have invested over the past weeks, not only in view of their academic studies, but even more so in relation to the vocational nature of the degree they are currently undertaking. The true spirit of entrepreneurship was very vibrant throughout the event and reflected itself in the creativity, innovation and enterprise start up skills manifested through the variety of products for which business plans and sales presentations were delivered,” stated Josef Buttigieg, Director of the Institute of Business and Commerce. During a short message delivered at the end of the event, Mr John Cassar White, Chairman Bank of Valletta plc highlighted the importance of having students who take up such challenges and ably face the thorough grilling by the judges present at the event. He shared with those present his nostalgia of the experience he lived at MCAST Institute of Business and Commerce for a number of years during which he himself lectured most of the students who presented their work during the event. “Entrepreneurship education is being given due importance at MCAST and at the Institute of Business and Commerce. It is being recognised as a fulcrum for developing each student’s full creative potential and problem-solving skills. The skills acquired from entrepreneurship education are a lifetime investment,” said Rachel Curmi, Entrepreneurship Lecturer at the Institute of Business and Commerce. The Business Plans and Sales pitch presentation was judged by Junior Achievement Young Enterprise in view of their Start Up programme. A panel of three judges stemming from the ICT, consultancy and services industry respectively judged the nine teams to select one winner. The College would like to thank the Grand Hotel Excelsior and Bank of Valletta plc for supporting this event. 28 INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND COMMERCE THE NINE BUSINESS PLANS 1 Hub-A-Lite is a uniquely designed lampshade and charging hub with a wireless charging unit, three USB ports and an integrated alarm clock – an all-in-one solution for anyone’s bedside table! By: Wayne Caruana, Evicka Cauchi, Laura Cumbo, Marilisa Darmanin, Sefora Sant 2 e-CarPark is a website enabling motorists to reserve their parking space in advance within private car parks such as those in hotels and supermarkets. By: Isabelle Bonnici, Andrea Camilleri, Aleksandra Dimova, Maria Victoria Grech, Veronica Muscat 3 TravelDice is the only website which allows the budget conscious yet demanding traveller to simultaneously identify flight and accommodation arrangement possibilities within the same EU destination. By: Kimberly Azzopardi, Kristina Buhagiar, Robert Busuttil, Lyndsey Hollington, Nicola Pace 4 Tesori is a primary school applying the Montessori Philosophy. The aim is to enrich and nurture each child’s personal growth by encouraging self-exploration, creative thinking and entrepreneurial behaviour. By: Leahiares Gallo, Janice Micallef, Angie Polidano, Melicent Spiteri Gheiti 5 ShareBond Alert (SBA) is a mobile application that conveniently informs customers when the price of shares and bonds increase or decrease, enabling investors to instantaneously buy or sell. By: Chantelle Marie Caruana, Claire Farrugia, Claire Portelli, Justina Zammit 6 RotoSolar is a structure enabling photovoltaic panels to automatically rotate according to the sun, absorbing 30% more solar energy than fixed solar panel structures. By: Matthew Bianco, Bernice Borg, Andrea Giglio, Cynthia Mifsud, Kathy Zammit 7 MoveIt Mania! is a fitness board game which brings people together through 50 graded doable physical exercises. Dumbbells and an easy-to-follow pictorial exercise instruction manual are included. By: Larkin Bonnici, Idonia Calleja, Michelle Camilleri, Christian Cauchi, Kimberly Vella 8 Errand Genie is the only tailor-made service by professionals for professionals, to get your everyday chores done in a timely and dependable manner. Your errand is our command! 9 ParKlok is the intelligent parking clock which sends timely SMS alerts to save motorists from paying yet another parking fine when parked in a timed-parking zone! By: Marilyn Camilleri, Cynthia Cuschieri, Matthew Farrugia, Adrian and Antoine Spiteri INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND COMMERCE 29 INSTITUTE OF ART AND DESIGN ART AND DESIGN STUDENTS SPEAK ABOUT THEIR ARTISTIC WORKS AT THE VERDALA SCULPTURE GARDEN One of the last marks His Excellency, President Dr. George Abela will be leaving the island and the general public is the Verdala Sculptures within the gardens of the Verdala Palace which incorporates an artistic, educational and ecological experience. MCAST Art and Design students were the brains and the hands behind the four sculptures entrusted to them within the Verdala Sculpture Garden. Have a look at what they told us in their own words. 30 INSTITUTE OF ART AND DESIGN L’ARABESQUE by Pamela Bezzina, Christa Gerada and Andrew Portelli The Arabesque is a figurative steel sculpture depicting a curvaceous female arched in a dancing movement.The steel wire is winded around the female figure to represent the circular motions and movements made during dance. This is made out of galvanised steel wire weighing circa 250kg. “Being part of this new and innovative project was definitely a grand opportunity for us graduating students, it was our last possibility to exhibit works as MCAST Art and Design students. This gave us artistic exposure and also the possibility to exhibit alongside other established artists. We worked and strived hard for over three months to achieve such a great outcome. We would like to thank our tutors and the administration for all the support and help we were given.” YOU CAN DISCOVER MORE ABOUT A PERSON IN AN HOUR OF PLAY THAN IN A YEAR OF CONVERSATION by Aaron Bezzina, Maria Borg, Alberto Zagami The sculpture is about balance and harmony. The sphere gives an illusion of holding up a large amount of weight despite its inferior volume to the shape above it. The universal geometric shapes used and the overall structure aim to complement its environment. “It is very positive for us, as students, to have our work sitting alongside that of renowned artists and for the work to be so prominently exposed. Also, despite having previously had our individual work exposed in exhibitions, this particular work allowed us to work on a larger scale.” STAG SCULPTURE by MariaIsabella Grech, Christian Micallef, Ezekiel Vassallo The ‘Stag’ Sculpture was inspired by the Verdala Palace’s history of being used as a hunting space by the Knights of Malta, who were known to bring deer game specifically for that reason. This allowed for us to create a stag which is just caught in a trap and is unsuccessfully trying to escape. The sculpture was created with intertwined wire for the body and nylon wire for the trap, allowing for the material to juxtapose not only through the historical setting by re-enacting the past to the present - but also via the rusty and shiny material which stand out from nature’s setting. “This experience was both humbling and honouring for us to have our work placed alongside art pieces of renowned artists as well as being so prominently exposed. However, what had us feel most honoured was the fact that the President of Malta was so appreciative of our talent and hard work. This project was definitely a great opportunity which allowed us to learn and better our skills; hence, more mature as BA (Hons) Fine Art students and as up and coming artists.” THE PASSAGE OF TIME by Nathalie Debono, Lisa Formosa, Ray Axiaq The Passage of Time was mainly inspired from the history of Malta. It is a literal and interactive piece which depicts the passage of time. Once we used to be governed by the knights of Malta; thus showing a knight going back in time while emerging out to the present self. “Being amongst renowned artists and the first artists who exhibited an art piece in the Verdala Palace, was a huge project and a very inspiring one. As students working in a life case project, it is very important for us as it will give us experience of working with professional people and regarding every aspect and difficulty we may encounter. It has been a very nice experience and we believe it has resulted in positive outcomes.” INSTITUTE OF ART AND DESIGN 31 MCAST STUDENTS PRESENT BANIF BANK WITH PHOTOS As part of a two-way project between MCAST and Banif Bank (Malta) plc, first year students studying location photography as part of their Higher National Diploma in Photography were commissioned by the Bank to present a set of digital photos for each location that the Bank is present in. In this assignment, students were requested to consider a variety of subjects including nature, people, village activity, urban structures and landmarks, in an attempt to capture the spirit of the locality. The students researched the locations assigned to them. They also went out at different times of the day, to experiment with natural light. MCAST has been collaborating with Banif on what are called ‘livecases’ – modules that give students the opportunity to work with ‘clients’ on projects that are simulations of real work situations – with a real brief outlining requirements, specifications, brand guidelines and so on. The work produced becomes the property of the Bank, for use in the organisation’s publications. “It is vital that our students are given opportunities to test their skills and platforms to expose their work to an audience,” said Joe Attard, Photography Lecturer at MCAST Institute of Art and Design. The project aims to bridge the gap between education and industry, while helping students with opportunities for exposure. A cohort of eight students, under the guidance of their tutor Joe Attard, undertook their fieldwork in Attard, Naxxar, San Gwann, St Julian’s, Siggiewi, Rabat, St Paul’s Bay, Fgura and Qormi. As for shooting in Gozo, the students took the opportunity to do group field work. 32 INSTITUTE OF ART AND DESIGN “These live-cases give them a chance to produce work that has to follow a client brief while taking into consideration the company’s exigencies. The exercise is a taster of what they will experience in the future.” “We are very pleased with the good quality works we have in hand,” said Charles Mizzi, Head of Marketing and Communication at Banif. “We will be using the photos to produce some of the Bank’s artworks and publications, whilst giving the students due credit and exposure. Our collaboration with the Institute has grown into a very fruitful relationship that has at heart educational opportunities for students.” INSTITUTE OF ART AND DESIGN 33 Sacha Attard Yeon Francis Darmanin Marlon Polidano 34 INSTITUTE OF ART AND DESIGN INSTITUTE OF ART AND DESIGN 35 Lorraine Abela Mark Pace Kimberly Cassar Magri 36 INSTITUTE OF ART AND DESIGN Tamsin Pace Decesare James Bianchi PROGRESS WEEK 2014 by Rebecca Vella Pawley, Higher National Diploma in Fine Art Progress week is the week that lies between the end of the first semester and the beginning of the second semester. During this week students are asked to attend a particular school and paint murals with suitable images to embellish various areas in the community. Those of us participating in these activities are challenged to finish the project in five day’s time. Thus, to facilitate our tasks, we usually work in groups. This year, my classmates and I, following the Higher National Diploma Fine Art Year 1, joined forces with students from the Higher National Diploma 3D Design, Year 1. Together, we were assigned to paint murals at the newly set up Learning Zone at Tal-Ħandaq Girls’ Secondary School. Before Progress Week, we were briefed about the project by our lecturer, Ms Ruth Ancilleri, who gave us some background information about the aims and wishes of the headmistress and the teachers. We learned that the so-called Learning Zone was developed to accommodate students with sensitive issues and difficult social backgrounds. Therefore, the area we were assigned is meant to be therapeutic for these girls, by making them feel welcome and at home. Apart from this briefing, we also discussed the project with the school teachers in charge of this room so that we could combine and INSTITUTE OF ART AND DESIGN 37 align our own initial ideas with theirs. In the end, we came up with a concept that had us design the interior of the designated area so that we enlivened it and gave it a homely look. Wherever we felt the need, we added a touch of warmth through the inclusion of painted furnishings or colourful decorations. But for us, the best part about this whole project was the moment when the girls who will be using this room, visited us while we were working. It was very touching to see them awestruck and to hear them say how much they liked the room with its new look. Their smiles and appreciative faces melted our hearts. Over these last three years I was involved in three different Progress Week projects, within different schools. I found that these projects have always helped me to grow. I somehow realized how good it feels to be able to give something freely to others. I also learned how great it can be to work with others in the accomplishment of a common goal. Last but not least, I realized how art can better people’s lives. FANTASTIC LIGHTS PROJECTION SHOW A six-minute 3D architectural mapping projection created by Art and Design students was showcased during the Christmas period on the façade of the Palace in St George’s Square, Valletta. Some 40 students worked on this V18 project. 38 INSTITUTE OF ART AND DESIGN INSTITUTE OF AGRIBUSINESS EDUCATIONAL VISIT IN SICILY During April 2014, a group of MCAST Agribusiness students attended a four-day educational visit in Sicily where they were given demonstrations and workshops on matters related to horse husbandry. A big thanks goes to Pippa's Paddock for providing the students with this excellent educational opportunity. MEP CANDIDATES DISCUSS FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE On Tuesday 18 March 2014 MEUSAC organised a seminar whereby MEP candidates discussed the future of Malta's agriculture with farmers and Agribusiness students at MCAST’s Agribusiness Institute. INSTITUTE OF AGRIBUSINESS 39 INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY MCAST ICT INSTITUTE WINS FIRST PRIZE AT THE MALTA ROBOTICS OLYMPIAD MCAST ICT students won first prize at the Malta Robotics Olympiad organised by the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) and the Department of eLearning. This activity provided young persons with the opportunity to develop their creativity and problem solving skills through challenging and educational robotic competitions. ICT students Noel Mizzi, Brendan Schembri, John Fenech and Ian Chetcuti guided by lecturer Mr Franco Farrugia developed a robot entitled Robotic Prescription Dispensing System. This robot aids patients acquire medication without any physical need of medical staff. It is also designed to cater for patients with visual and hearing impairment disabilities. Prior to the development of the robot, the team researched the hardware and software required for the robot to work as efficiently as possible. The robot consisted of a camera with facial recognition 40 INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY capabilities to recognise the patient, a round container divided into compartments to hold the necessary pills which turns according to the configured time programmed by the professional staff or care takers, and an empty slot from where the patient can then retrieve the pills. The students also developed a website with the use of PHP and MySQL to control and store the data remotely. Prof. Tony Dyson, the developer of the World’s most lovable Robot ‘R2-D2′ as featured in all the STAR WARS movies, attended the Malta Robotics Olympiad. He conducted a keynote speech about ‘Robots of the Future’. ICT TEAM RANKS SECOND IN THE HACK4MALTA OPEN DATA HACKATON The Institute of ICT team made up of Stephen Compagno, Derrick Agius, Enrico Aquilina and Shaun Caruana, ranked second in the Hack4Malta Open Data Hackaton which was organised at the Faculty of ICT, University of Malta on Saturday 29 March 2014. HOMER stands for Harmonising the use of Open Data in the Mediterranean and the aim is to make utilisation of the publicly available data (Open Data) by creating apps, websites and applications for the benefit of the public. Governments are increasingly recognising the benefits of making their data open and reusable. The ICT team came up with a journey planner which helps the tourist to plan his stay in Malta by getting a number of places of interest in the vicinity. The application gathers information from publicly available datasets and other on-line services such as Google Maps which makes it also possible to calculate the time needed to travel from one place to another to help the tourist make the best use of the time available during his stay. INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 41 MCAST ICT STUDENTS TO REPRESENT MALTA AT THE MICROSOFT IMAGINE CUP INNOVATION COMPETITION Four ICT students will be representing Malta in the Microsoft Imagine Cup Innovation competition following their participation in the national final held at the Microsoft Innovation Centre in April 2014. The team was composed of Dylan Abela, Albert Herd, Keith Mifsud, and Mark Andrew Azzopardi and was mentored by ICT lecturer Ranier Bonnici. The Imagine Cup competition challenges students around the globe to think outside the box and come up with innovation software solutions. The project presented by MCAST’s team was aimed at rendering interior design more immersive by augmenting 3D objects (furniture and fittings) to any shell environment. Keith used the Microsoft Kinect to automate the scanning of 3D models. Albert worked on a hand gesture recognition API that acted as the main interface of the system. Dylan merged the software in a Unity project that could be experienced in 3D through an Oculus Rift head-mounted display, while Mark was responsible for the presentation of the project in front of the judges. In his conclusive remarks, the head of the judging team hailed the project as one of the most technically advanced that have been presented for the local Imagine Cup Innovation competition. 42 INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING MCAST STUDENT WINS TOP PRIZE AT THE NSTF CONTEST FOR YOUNG SCIENTIST MCAST Engineering student, Juan Sarcia, won top prize at the Contest for Young Scientists which reached its culmination during the NSTF Science Expo, that was held at the MCAST Institute of Applied Science. His winning project is a real-time vehicle ECU logging via android tablet. Juan will represent Malta during the EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) which will take place in Warsaw. The main objective of this contest, which is organised by the NSTS Foundation (NSTF), is to encourage students to be original and creative in conducting scientific research and developing a scientific or technological project. Students work either individually or in teams to research and develop their own original scientific project which is then exhibited during the Science Expo. Juan’s project monitors fuel, speed, battery voltage as well as faults and information obtained from the car’s ECU. The data gets transferred onto an android application, on which it is illustrated as real-time. The information can be saved and accessed from a web page where it is recorded for monitoring. This system can be implemented on any type of car. The NSTS Foundation is the national organiser of the EUCYS and since 1997 has been selecting students to represent Malta in this pan European event. In 2009, MCAST Electronics student, Philip Cardona, was the first Maltese student to be awarded a prize at the EU Contest for Young Scientists. His project “Cappuccino Logo Printer” was awarded second prize. INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING 43 INSTITUTE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES SUCCESSFUL MCAST CHARITHON 2014 The MCAST Institute of Community Services organised a fund-raising CHARITHON (Charity Marathon) on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 March 2014 at their premises at MCAST Main Campus in Paola. The Ursuline Sisters and Osanna Pia Home were the beneficiaries of the proceeds. 44 INSTITUTE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES A series of activities were organised including various services offered to the general public. These included Hair and Beauty Treatments; Children’s Gym Activities; various Food Stalls; Musical Performances, Sports Activities and Fitness Testing; Blood Donations; Abseiling; Carwash; Treasure Hunt; Outdoor Camping; a Night Walk; Car Drifting; Car Sound Installations and other fund raising activities. Students from all levels, together with their respective lecturers, from the five disciplines currently being taught at the Institute, namely Health and Social Care, Early Years, Sports, Hairdressing and Beauty participated and offered their services, skills and time. MCAST is further donating all funds generated from the Institute’s Beauty and Hairdressing Salon Services, during the month of February, towards these beneficiaries. The Charithon proved to be a successful event both with MCAST students, relatives and friends, as well as the general public. On Friday the Institute grounds were inundated with students and staff from the surrounding Institutes buying food, freshly prepared by our staff and students, which varied from cooked takeaways and freshly baked and decorated muffins to healthy shakes and juices for the calorie conscious. The plant section required replenishing in the afternoon due to the high demand while the carwash and abseiling had a steady queue throughout. An activity which also proved successful was the blood drive, with no less than thirty-three (33) donors in one morning. This was supplemented by fitness testing and health checks by our specialists. Children’s activities were also organized in the Gym and balloon shaping for the very young ones was aptly assisted by our Early Years and Care Students. Classes and sports competitions were also organised. Last but not least, both Friday and Saturday proved very hectic for the Hairdressing and Beauty students who relentlessly serviced clients, having given up their part-time salon work on the Saturday, with the kind permission of their placement sponsors. The crowds were also entertained regularly by live musical presentations and car shows. A night walk coordinated by the Higher National Diploma Care Management students and the Care Management Degree students also generated funds from collections as did the outdoor camping and barbeque between Friday and Saturday. Special thanks go to the AFM who not only provided us with a large tent, but also took care of setting it up and taking it down. A big thank you goes to all those who contributed and/or participated, by giving their time and their donations, both material and financial, for this noble cause. INSTITUTE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES 45 WOMEN’S DAY ACTIVITY FOR DISADVANTAGED WOMEN As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, a morning of pampering and beauty therapy was organised for women from domestic violence shelters. The event, organised by the HSBC Malta Foundation and MCAST Institute of Community Services in collaboration with Banking on Women (BoW) and HSBC Malta’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, treated the ladies to a variety of relaxation and beauty therapies, including facials, makeovers, haircuts and hairstyling. These treatments were provided free of charge by students and lecturers from the MCAST Institute of Community Services, and gifts were handed out. Similar services were offered to women who could not leave the shelters. MOTHER’S DAY AT MCAST Mothers of children with disabilities were treated to a day of pampering at the Institute of Community Services. The mothers received hair and beauty treatments while their children engaged in various fun and educational activities prepared specially for them by students following child care courses at the Institute. Hon. Justyne Caruana, Parliamentary Secretary for Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, visited this activity. 46 INSTITUTE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES SUPPORT SERVICES MCAST DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA The discussion started off with the importance of dealing with homophobia given that it affects everyone not just gay people! Although attitudes in Malta are slowly changing, homophobia is still present and this strongly impacts the identity development of a person, especially during their youth. One of the young people present also mentioned the impact this has on people coming out to their parents, an important step in someone’s identity development. The focus of the discussion then centred on the issue of gay bullying. Bullying of all forms is wrong and is not tolerated at MCAST. It can have very serious repercussions on a person’s life including depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide. In the case of gay bullying, although at times it can take the form of physical aggression, it often involves excluding the person or passing snide comments, jokes, and gossip precisely because a person is, or is perceived to be, gay. Wednesday 14th May 2014 marked an important day for MCAST as it was the first time that the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) was celebrated on Campus. Following songs by Winter Moods, Mr Stephen Cachia, Principal and CEO, Hon. Evarist Bartolo, Hon. Claudette Buttigieg, and Prof. Arnold Cassola each gave a short speech on homophobia. All agreed that it is important to tackle this issue from all fronts, and that it is through a personal connection with lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or intersex persons that one realises what a strong negative impact homophobia can have. Following this, the US Embassy screened their premiere of the video “It Gets Better” for parents and siblings of LGBTI persons. After the screening a panel discussion was held, moderated by Ms Sonja Casha. The panel was made up of the Ambassador of the United States, H.E. Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley; Ivan Grech of Winter Moods; Ray Calleja, a local TV presenter; Gabi Calleja from the Malta Gay Rights Movement; and Michael Conti, a counsellor at MCAST. The final point of the discussion was on what can make MCAST campuses more gay affirmative. On a personal level it is important to examine one’s attitudes and prejudices and to be aware of one’s language. It is also very important to speak up when bullying is encountered and thus help give a voice to those who at that moment have lost it. Reports of bullying always need to be taken seriously and students and members of staff need to be educated more about homophobia and bullying. Finally, one hopes that a student society that takes the form of a gay-straight alliance is set up on campus. This would focus on working together towards a college life where nobody is discriminated against or bullied because of their sexual or gender identity. On a final note, if you encounter any bullying do not hesitate to get in touch with the counsellors on [email protected], or 2398 7115/7129/7133. If you would like more information or support regarding sexual or gender identity issues, the gay helpline is 21430006 or 99255559. SUPPORT SERVICES 47 INSTITUTE OF BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING MCAST STUDENT WINS PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL CITY & GUILDS AWARD Mr Pierre Zammit, a student at MCAST Institute of Building and Construction Engineering, has been awarded the prestigious City & Guilds Medal for Excellence. He was selected, both nationally and internationally, in recognition of his outstanding work in his area of study, namely Engineering Welding and Fabrication Technology. The award was presented by City & Guilds and MCAST officials at the MCAST Main Campus, in Paola, on Tuesday 1st April 2014. The City and Guilds Medals for Excellence are awarded every year to recognize the achievements of learners, lecturers and trainers who have achieved results by producing exceptional work – going above and beyond what is expected to achieve their goals. It recognises not only excellent results but also those who show a true journey of progression throughout their qualification. From left: Mr John Vella, Director MCAST Institute of Building and Construction Engineering, Ms Brid Healy, City and Guilds Regional Manager (Europe), Mr Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal and CEO, Dr Silvio De Bono, President of the MCAST Board of Governors, Mr Joe Cilia, MCAST Lecturer, Mr Pierre Zammit, Student, Mr Ronald Curmi, MCAST Registrar and Ms Pauline Buhagiar, MCAST Lecturer. The Medal for Excellence Award was presented to Pierre Zammit by Ms Brid Healy, City & Guilds Regional Manager (Europe), Dr Silvio De Bono, President of the MCAST Board of Governors, Mr Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal and CEO, Mr Emanuel Attard, MCAST CAO, Mr Ronald Curmi, Registrar and Mr John Vella, Institute of Building and Construction Engineering Director. Ms Brid Healy said that one million learners register with City & Guilds to work towards one of its qualifications every year. Out of these only 100 were awarded this prestigious award and Pierre Zammit is one of them. She congratulated Pierre for his hard work, dedication and commitment and the MCAST team for facilitating learning and encouraging potential for excellence. Mr Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal and CEO, congratulated Pierre Zammit and praised him both for his achievement of this prestigious award as well for his involvement in student life. He stated that Pierre is an exemplary student that has made MCAST proud. Dr Silvio De Bono, President of the Board of Governors, praised Pierre and spoke about the capabilities and accomplishments of Maltese students and their successes on international levels. 48 INSTITUTE OF BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING STUDENTS ENTRUSTED WITH THE RESTORATION OF ‘MINTNA CATACOMBS’ Students following the Restoration and Conservation programme at the Institute of Building and Construction Engineering have been entrusted with the restoration of the street level entrance structures to the ‘Mintna Catacombs’ in Mqabba. This project will be carried out in part-fulfilment of the MCAST Diploma in Masonry Heritage Skills Course. The ‘Mintna Catacombs’ in Mqabba consist of underground chambers and three street-level structures situated near the roundabout between Triq il-Qrendi and Triq il-Konvoj ta’ Santa Maria. The students have already presented a report documenting the deterioration that the catacombs have undergone throughout the years. They also gave suggestions on the appropriate methods of cleaning, reconstructing and conservation of the original masonry. INSTITUTE OF BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING 49 VISIT TO LEED® SILVER CERTIFIED US EMBASSY Students reading for a BSc (Hons) in Construction and BSc (Hons) in Building Services at the Institute of Building and Construction Engineering were provided with the opportunity to visit the LEED® Certified US Embassy at Attard. The aim of this visit was for students to view the sustainable building and learn more about LEED® certification. Embassy Officers provided details about the LEED® Silver Certification of the US Embassy complex with the aid of an informative presentation. The sustainable features of the embassy building were highlighted during the talk. The embassy is built on 10 acres with an estimated cost of $125Million and became operational in mid-2011. Care was taken to reduce the “Heat Island Effect” by using substantial native vegetation and light coloured paving. Light colour was used in the building fabric with appropriate insulation to reduce the U-Values of walls and double glazed windows. Other energy efficient technologies include solar water heating, LED task lighting, occupancy sensors, electric traction elevators and variable frequency drives for pumps fans and motors. A Building Automation System, also known as Building Management System enables the facility managers to optimise performance and reduce energy due to the dynamic response to variations in climate conditions whilst keeping the internal space within the optimal comfort conditions. 50 INSTITUTE OF BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING In fact, the internal air quality is of superior standard due to optimal management of fresh air intake which is filtered with HEPA and carbon filters, whilst the inside air is monitored for CO2 levels. The building includes large underground cisterns where rain water is collected and used as second class water mainly for irrigation purposes. Other water saving features include waterless urinals, automatic shut off faucets and low flow plumbing fixtures. These result in a “calculated 48% less water use than the performance requirements of EPAct 1992.” SPORTS DEPARTMENT MCAST SPRING DAYS 2014 SPORTS DEPARTMENT 51 52 SPORTS DEPARTMENT The MCAST Sports Department once again organised Spring Days. The Spring Days, held over three days, provided students and members of staff the opportunity to engage in a variety of sports activities off campus, namely at the beach. Team dynamics, communication, collaboration, leadership and organizational skills are all enhanced through these outdoor activities. Students and members of staff participated in Beach Volley, Beach Soccer, Beach Handball, Dodge ball and Trekking. These activities also provide the participants with the opportunity to meet other fellow students/colleagues within the different MCAST Institutes. Students currently studying Sports at the Institute of Community Services helped out in the running of the event as part of their Unit ‘Organising Sports Events’. SPORTS MARITIME DEPARTMENT INSTITUTE 53 BENCH PRESS COMPETITION On 7 April 2014 the MCAST Fitness Centre organized a bench press competition in aid of charity. Points where awarded according to weight as each athlete weighed himself before performing three best lifts, were the total of the lifts were calculated with the Schwartz point system. A very competitive and yet friendly environment engulfed the event, as a fierce number of competitors and supporters were present. The winner of the event was presented with a photo shoot of himself training at MCAST fitness gym. WEIGHTLIFTING GYM Recently the Sports Department launched the MCAST Paola Weightlifting Gym at the lower gym, Corradino. This was possible thanks to the Malta Weightlifting Federation and Sports lecturer and weightlifter Mr Matthew Muscat Inglott who is running the club and training the students. For more information please check out http://on.fb.me/1iNQcQF FITNESS GYM For more information on the MCAST Fitness Gym please check out http://on.fb.me/1kyZbK1 or contact roderick.schembri@ mcast.edu.mt. This gym has become very popular and a number of classes are held regularly. 54 SPORTS DEPARTMENT MCAST GRADUATION CEREMONIES MCAST celebrated the success of another 2755 students who completed courses at Levels 1 to 4 during the last academic year. The students completed courses in agribusiness, applied science, art and design, building and construction engineering, business and commerce, community services, electrical and electronics engineering, information and communication technology (ICT), mechanical engineering and maritime studies. One hundred and twenty three students received certificates for completing Level 1 to 4 courses at MCAST’s Gozo Centres at Xagħra and Xewkija. In addition, 16 students, 11 in Malta and 5 in Gozo, received certificates for completing the MCAST Pathway to Independent Living Programme, a course designed to help individuals with mild to moderate disabilities or learning difficulties that acquire the necessary skills for independent living. GRADUATION 55 56 GRADUATION Dr Silvio De Bono, President of the MCAST Board of Governors, mentioned that MCAST has set up a permanent structure whereby the College and Industry could work together to provide students with the right skills required by industry. Mr Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal and CEO, explained that these ceremonies celebrate the achievements of young individuals who opted to continue studying rather than seeking employment soon after finishing compulsory education. Over 73.1% of the students who are receiving Level 1 to 4 certificates this month are continuing their studies at MCAST through higher level courses. In December, another cohort of 741 students was conferred with higher national diplomas or bachelor’s degrees after completing MCAST Level 5 and 6 programmes, while another 64 students received certificates after completing MCAST aviation maintenance courses. In total, over 3,496 students successfully completed MCAST courses during the 2012/2013 academic year. GRADUATION 57 LEARNING SUPPORT UNIT MCAST AND THE PATHWAY TO INDEPENDENT LIVING UNIT MCAST has always been committed to the inclusion of students with disabilities among other minorities. The College caters for students who need some form of extra support either academically or in other areas of life. These students attend a variety of courses across all levels with varying degrees of support. Some of these students attend courses structured especially to cater for their needs. These courses are offered through substantially separate modules of learning and are coordinated by the Pathway to Independent Living Unit which is one of the many student support departments within MCAST. The courses offered by the Pathway to Independent Living Unit are provided on a full-time basis and span over two years with the possibility of further study within MCAST. This unit has seen student intake increase from one class of six students in 2007 to six classes of an average of ten students each. The Unit is coordinated by Ms Sonja Casha and students are supported by a team of eight lecturers and five LSAs. The lecturing staff come from various backgrounds from education to social work and are all committed and energetic in their common aim to provide the best educational experience to students attending this programme. Students attending this course participate in classes with other students with disabilities however they are wholly integrated in all campus student activities and have access to use all the facilities available. MCAST is currently undergoing some major restructuring of many of its courses across levels 1, 2 and 3 through ESF 3.102 project called Inclusion for Employment. 58 LEARNING SUPPORT UNIT The courses are also undergoing a total overhaul with more investment being injected in the establishment of specific learning outcomes based on entry level accreditation within the course structure. Students following these courses will soon be attending lectures in one of the new MCAST buildings as the Unit will be relocated to the new Student House currently being built. The space will include three simulated workshops which will be used by students for the vocational skills learning units. Pathway to Independent Living Courses cover three main areas of study namely key skills, life skills and vocational skills and each of these core areas include a set of learning outcomes, offered on two levels according to students’ needs. Vocational learning outcomes are essentially the foundation of all MCAST courses with life skills and key skills being offered as support subjects to provide students with a more complete educational experience. Throughout these various subject areas, students can truly benefit from a holistic and practical package of information and knowledge that, when amalgamated together, can aid them into becoming effective employees and responsible citizens who are able to live independently in society. Anyone who is interested in applying for any of the Pathway courses next academic year, please contact Ms Sonja Casha. Telephone : 23987320/4 Email: [email protected] VOCATIONAL LEARNING UNITS by Ylenia Peresso One of the main objectives of these courses is to prepare students in finding and maintaining employment. It is essential for students to acquire the necessary skills to function within the employment sector and one of the ways this can be achieved is through training both on the job and in a simulated working environment within MCAST. The Vocational Units, amongst other areas offered by Pathway to Independent Living courses, are excellent examples of how students can become significantly more productive and willing to work whilst acquiring the necessary skills within the working environment. This can be attained through the development of various abilities such as communication skills, teamwork, collaboration, rights and responsibilities, organization, professionalism, recruitment, safety issues etc. This learning experience also takes place inside workshops on MCAST Campus. The vocational learning units offered by Pathway to Independent Living courses are focused on three employment sectors, namely Hospitality, Production and Retail and Office Work. Having the indispensable guidance of staff members, students get to choose the preferred vocational area which is most suitable to their abilities. During the final year of study students are required to have a work placement in the local industries. In some cases students do so well that the employer offers them a more permanent position. Students who finish the course are introduced to ETC to register for work. PSHE by Charmaine Attard Bezzina Young people experience various inter and intra personal challenges as they go through adolescence and gradually take up adult roles and responsibilities. These challenges arise from a broad array of spectra such as physical, cognitive, emotional, psychological and social changes. We emphasise upon the uniqueness of every student and we continuously nurture their specific talents and competences so as to develop their skills and thus enhance their chances for employability. The topics dealt with in the Personal, Social, Health and Emotional (PSHE) lessons take this into consideration to equip the individuals with an understanding of themselves and of the world around them. In fact, amongst other things, students will learn about and experience different communication methods to be able to communicate effectively in different social situations. Character formation and positivity are at the centre of our learning environment. Students are encouraged to improve their attitude towards others around them and towards the world of work. Empathic communication as well as the recognition and expression of appropriate emotions are other topics discussed during lessons. Through this module the student will learn to recognize and express various emotions in their appropriate context. Other topics discussed during PSHE lessons are healthy living, leisure and recreation. Students will have the opportunity to experience healthy living options and understand what constitutes substance abuse and its consequences. Students would be urged to experience and participate in a range of hobbies and pastimes as these are crucial in contributing towards a healthy lifestyle. LEARNING SUPPORT UNIT 59 LITERACY AND CITIZENSHIP by Matthew Xuereb and David Callaby Floridia Literacy is also essential in the educational formation of students who attend the Pathway to Independent Living Course. All students benefit from both Maltese and English literacy sessions. However, this is done in a manner which is different from the methods that we are usually accustomed to. The course is specifically designed for students depending on different academic competences available within two teaching streams, namely key skills and life skills. Students aspiring to continue their studies at foundation level choose the key skills stream and therefore have four weekly sessions of Maltese and English. Students who are more inclined towards employment choose the life skills stream. The material covered by the students is targeted towards employment, so as to help bridge the gap between education and the world of work. On a separate note, Citizenship is fundamental for students’ personal development. In this regard, students become aware of their Identity, Rights and Obligations, Communication, Environmental Issues, Current affairs and Community involvement. Additionally we address current national and global issues, which help students reflect about their role as mature citizens in society. SEXUALITY by Dr Claire Azzopardi Lane As has been already mentioned, the Pathway to Independent Living course is a holistic programme that targets several aspects of our students’ social well-being. Personal and social etiquette are known to impinge on a person’s public life as well as on their potential for finding and maintaining employment. Part of the personal and social development students experience transcends into the expression of their sexuality. Persons with disability are frequently assumed to be asexual and any manifestations of their personality that goes against this myth is received with surprise, scorn, and often reproach. Therefore the development of personality and sexuality of persons with disability is addressed within the programme’s educational content as this would eventually foster global well-being that allows students to express themselves in socially accepted ways. Socio-emotional difficulties could possibly emerge when the sexual needs of young people with disability are not addressed as part of their formal or informal education. This may have an impact on the person’s ability to cope in the community and ultimately on their place of work. Given the inclusive social context persons with disability are aiming to be working in, their exposure to experiences that have an impact on their sexuality is bound to emerge at some point. The work environment can act as a platform for the development of friendships for people with disability. Yet their experiences in this environment can be less positive and hence students have to be geared and prepared to encounter several types of situations in various contexts that these persons make part of. Issues can range from the emotional to physical manifestations of the persons’ sexual self. We also identify relationships that can be created with other personnel in the workplace. This awareness can contribute to a better understanding of every employee and also enhance inclusion and work efficiency while at the same time avoiding conflict or even emotional or physical abuse. The ultimate goal of this programme is to promote holistic wellbeing, education and employability that will support the person’s social inclusion as they go from puberty to adulthood. 60 LEARNING SUPPORT UNIT FUNCTIONAL NUMERACY by Claranne Micallef Congruous with what has been mentioned in the literacy section, numeracy is delivered in as functional a manner as possible. This means that Mathematics is delivered through two main teaching streams, being Key Skills and Life Skills respectively. Students are presented with examples from everyday life, and therefore use practical situations that they could experience in their day-to-day routines. To achieve this, concepts are broken down in such a way to aid association (linking mathematical concepts with life) and recall (remembering functions and applying them). A variety of strategies and resources are used, to cater for as many learning capabilities as possible. The aim of this process is to help students consolidate what they would have previously learnt whilst exposing them to new, practical knowledge. Revision work then reinforces these acquired numeracy skills and how they can be applied for a functional lifestyle. The numeracy syllabus covers most mathematical concepts but emphasis is placed on topics that are substantially relevant to our students and their needs towards a less dependent life and employability. Overall, topics taught are general principles (basic fundamentals, which include number values, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, patterns, fractions, etc), percentages and decimals, time and money management, weights and measures, data handling and perception of space, to name a few. ICT by Denise Galea Pirotta All students following the Pathway to Independent Living Programme benefit from ICT lectures which help to equip them with better skills in relation to the use of computers, laptops, tablets and other technological material that are currently available in today’s world. Special focus is placed on how ICT can be used at the workplace. Students who aspire to work in offices shall find specific ICT tasks highly helpful to become further proficient in the use of particular applications such as Word Documents, PowerPoint presentations and safe Internet Browsing. Students will be shown how to use the internet, emails and certain social networks in a safe manner. They are also encouraged to use search engines that could help them find and access potential employment possibilities throughout various sectors. Additional training is provided to help students create and maintain an updated curriculum vitæ and application form templates, which are important requisites when applying for a job once they emerge into the world of work. Also students are made aware about certain risks associated with the use of computers, such as viruses and their prevention, dealing with spam and the necessity of having password protection knowledge as well as the significance of privacy issues when accessing the internet. ICT has become an integral aspect within today’s society. As such it is necessary to equip students with knowledge and practical skills that help them to accomplish successful results when dealing with technology in everyday life. We do our very best to see that students benefit from the latest technological equipment which are under constant development and which are also becoming increasingly popular, within the ICT field. Ultimately numeracy is aimed at empowering students to use their acquired skills and multiple intelligences. LEARNING SUPPORT UNIT 61 ACHIEVE A LEVEL 3 VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION IN 3 STEPS NEW COURSES All Vocational courses at these levels have been rewritten and renewed, with new teaching and learning material aimed to make them more relevant and interesting for our students. MORE TIME FOR VOCATIONAL SUBJECTS More time will now be allocated to vocational subjects. In our level 2 courses, students will have 16 hours of sessions per week in the vocational area of their choice while also attending lessons of the six key skills. 62 LEVEL 3 VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 Students need to achieve all credits or else retake and pass the IAT to progress to level 2. A minimum of 30 credits out of 60 in order to progress (similar to two O-level subjects). Relevant 30 credits to be identified for each institute. Meet all Level 3 criteria for full certification. Otherwise, awards issued instead of certificate. IMPROVED LEVEL 1 AND LEVEL 2 COURSES Your level 3 qualification is the key to proceed to higher level courses at MCAST: Advanced Diploma (level 4), Higher Diploma (level 5) and Degree (level 6) As from academic year 2014/15, our Foundation courses at levels 1 and 2 will be undergoing 4 important changes leading up to our Vocational courses at level 3: CONTINUOUS TRANSITION TO FULL CERTIFICATION The Foundation courses at Level 1 and 2 will serve as a foundation level leading in a smooth and continuous way into the level 3 vocational courses, with students being fully certified at the end of level 3 if they achieve all the set criteria for level 3. AWARD FOR ALL THAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED Those who do not meet the full requirements at level 3 will receive an Award which will include all the student’s achievements by credits and level. Will students be able to start into level 3 directly? Yes, the present entry requirements will still apply. Students obtaining two (2) SEC examinations at Grades 5˚C or higher will be eligible to start immediately at level 3 according to the entry requirements of the relevant vocational course. In most courses, a full “Secondary School Certificate and Profile (SSC&P)” at Level 2 may be accepted in lieu of one (1) O-level pass. At what level can students who have not obtained SEC passes at Grade 5 or higher be able to start a course? Students who achieve two SEC subjects from Maltese, Mathematics or English at Grades 6 or 7 can start directly at level 2. Students who achieve a level Secondary School Certificate and Profile (SSC&P) – formerly known as the school leaving certificate – at Level 1 will be able to start at Level 2. These students may also be asked to sit for an Initial Assessment Test (IAT) to serve as a guide whether level 2 is the most appropriate level for a student to start in. Other students will sit for an Initial Assessment Test (IAT) which serves as a guide to indicate whether level 1 or level 2 is the most appropriate level for a student to start in. What will happen to students who do not achieve the necessary credits to progress to level 2 or level 3? These students will be able to repeat the units they have not achieved with attendance the following year to enable them to achieve the required credits to progress. From where can I get further information? Email [email protected] or call on 2398 7135/6. LEVEL 3 VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION 63 FASHION IS NO by Louise Aquilina Having been absent from the London scene for four years I can already sense some changes – which evidently shows the pace at which this captivating city moves. I’d love to be back. I am back here reading for an MA in Fashion – and I have managed to land on the best course that I could possibly have found at Kingston University. It is as progressive as they come – and for Fashion that is most absolutely the key. Fashion, to many people, means clothes. Well let me tell you: FASHION IS NOT A GARMENT. This may shock many of you but I have believed this for quite some time. Yet it took this MA to support my ideas and give me the courage to go with them. To follow the truth. My truth. 64 FASHION Fashion has materialized into garments for that is what sells, but if you scratch a little deeper under the superficial facade that many believe to have nothing underneath, you will notice that the Fashion that matters, and that is the most successful, has a much deeper meaning than colour, texture, fabric and silhouette. Fashion is a way of thinking, a way of looking at and approaching the future. Look into the past, but not to repeat it, to learn from it, and find new forms of expression that are not habitual. To be a good designer one cannot live in a shallow bubble of aesthetics, and it must be said that just because one has the capabilities to make patterns, sew and draw (which without doubt is essential) it does not mean that they are designers – to be a designer is to intelligently interpret a situation that has meaning, be it OT A GARMENT political, social, cultural or any other area that may lead to movements of change. Fashion is the investigation of where culture is moving to next – it is the art of capturing the ‘NEXT’ – whatever is next. It most definitely is not a gown – however beautifully made; the gown could be the materialisation of the concept / approach, but without the idea any garment or product is empty. To quote a fellow student of mine Esmeralda Dominguez: “An artist without a message, without a concept, without an intention is just an artisan” – nothing wrong with being an artisan, but I say aim for the stars and be more than an artisan. Fashion is a philosophy – capture the future intelligently and you will be on the route to becoming a designer. Dig deeper – forget clothes! Find your truth... And for further reading check out my blog: http://louiseaquilina.wordpress.com FASHION 65 GOZO CENTRE GOZO CENTRE STUDENTS – AMBASSADORS FOR SUSTAINABILITY A group of Electrical Engineering students, attending the MCAST Gozo Centre, recently visited Lüdenscheid, Germany, on a Life-Long Learning project entitled "Sustainability in the New Europe – Ambassadors for Sustainability". This project aims to get together learning communities from different parts of Europe to work together on sustainability and renewable energy issues. The foreign partners involved in this project include Glasgow Kelvin College, Lüdenscheid’s Berufskölleg für Technik des Markishen Kreises and Groningen’s Alfa College. During the first year of this project, students from each participating college will analyse their respective country. This will include conducting research on government set targets, strategies, policies and good practices focusing on energy and water conservation, renewable energy and electromobility. During the international meetings the students will share and discuss their good practices GOZO CENTRE 66 with all members of the participating countries. A similar meeting, held in Gozo, involved presentations delivered by Eco Gozo officials. During their stay in Germany, the group visited Alfa College in the Netherlands, where they had the opportunity of meeting the College CEO and International Co-ordinator. The students also participated in several industrial visits organised by the German host college. These included a visit to Spelsberg GmbH, a leading manufacturer of generic and specialised electrical junction boxes, distribution boards, boxes and fire-resistant electrical encasements; Fischer Elektronik GmbH, a leading manufacturer of heat-sinks, electrical and electronic connectors and aluminium enclosures, and DIAL GmbH, the renowned Institute of Building and Lighting Technology, developer of the DIALux software for lighting design. The programme also included a visit to the Phänomenta Science Museum in Ludenscheid and a cultural visit to the Cologne Cathedral. ACHIEVE A LEVEL 3 VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION NEW COURSES MORE TIME FOR VOCATIONAL SUBJECTS CONTINUOUS TRANSITION TO FULL CERTIFICATION AWARD FOR ALL THAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED Your level 3 qualification is the key to proceed to higher level courses at MCAST: Advanced Diploma (level 4), Higher Diploma (level 5) and Degree (level 6) Go to page 62 for more information NEW applications for full-time courses 1. WHERE TO APPLY AGRIBUSINESS COURSES INSTITUTE OF AGRIBUSINESS Triq Ħal Luqa, Ħal Qormi INFO TALK: 26 June 18:00 to 19:00* 2. WHEN TO APPLY APPLICANTS WITH SURNAME STARTING WITH DATES Monday 21 July A Tuesday 22 July B MCAST Main Campus, Corradino Hill, Paola INFO TALK: 25 June 19:00 – 20:00* Wednesday 23 July C ART & DESIGN COURSES Thursday 24 July D/E/F Friday 25 July G/H/I/J/K/L Monday 28 July M Tuesday 29 July N/O/P/Q/R/S Wednesday 30 July T/U/V/W/X/Y/Z APPLIED SCIENCE COURSES INSTITUTE OF APPLIED SCIENCE INSTITUTE OF ART AND DESIGN Misraħ l-Għonoq, Tarġa Gap, Mosta INFO TALK: 25 June 18:00 – 19:00* BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING COURSES INSTITUTE OF BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING T/Ġ fi Triq il-Kbira, Naxxar INFO TALK: 25 June 18:00 – 19:00 & 27 June19:00 – 20:00* BUSINESS & COMMERCE COURSES INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS & COMMERCE MCAST Main Campus, Corradino Hill, Paola INFO TALK: 27 June 18:00 – 19:00* COMMUNITY SERVICES COURSES INSTITUTE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES MCAST Main Campus, Corradino Hill, Paola INFO TALK: 25 June 19:00 – 20:00* ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING COURSES INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING MCAST Main Campus, Corradino Hill, Paola INFO TALK: 26 June 18:00 – 19:00* GOZO CENTRE COURSES GOZO CENTRE 132, Triq it-Tiġrija, Xagħra, Gozo INFO TALK: 26 June 09:30 – 10:30 at MCAST Xagħra Centre, Gozo ICT COURSES INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY MCAST Main Campus, Corradino Hill, Paola INFO TALK: 26 June 19:00 – 20:00* MARITIME COURSES MARITIME INSTITUTE Villa Portelli, Marina Street, Kalkara INFO TALK: 27 June19:00 – 20:00* MECHANICAL ENGINEERING COURSES INSTITUTE OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING MCAST Main Campus, Corradino Hill, Paola INFO TALK: 27 June 18:00 – 19:00* PATHWAY TO INDEPENDENT LIVING Students’ House, MCAST Main Campus, Corradino Hill, Paola INFO TALK: 27 June 10:00 – 11:00* *At the New IBAC Block, MCAST Main Campus, Paola Application offices are open from 08:30 to 12:00 Our career advisers will be available (without appointment) between 7 July and 1st August, from Monday to Friday, between 08:30 and13:30, at the Student House, MCAST Main Campus, Paola to answer your questions and offer personal career advice. 1. Applicants who cannot present their application on the above dates may apply on Thursday 31 July or Friday 1 August between 08:30 and 12:00. 2. Applicants who will be abroad on application dates have to submit their application before these dates at the Registrar’s Office, Administration Block, MCAST Main Campus, Paola. The travel ticket must be shown as a proof that the Applicant will be abroad. 3. Applicants who wish to apply for courses held in Malta, and who during the days of Receipt of Applications are residing in Gozo, may submit their application at the MCAST Gozo Centre, Xagħra. 4 . Applicants may ask another person to present their application as long as the application is signed by the applicant and all the necessary documents are attached to the application. The person presenting an application in the name of another person must also present his/her ID card. 5 . Applications without all the necessary documents will not be accepted. 6 . Foreign Applicants have to submit their Application at the Registrar’s Office, Room 112, Administration Block, MCAST Main Campus, Paola. 7 . Application Form A is to be filled in by those applicants who were not students at MCAST in academic year 2013/14 and by those who wish to restart a course. 8 . Applicants who will be sitting for SEC re-sit examinations in September 2014 and at the time of application (21 July 2014 - 1 August 2014) do not satisfy the entry requirements of a course, can still apply provisionally. These applicants are required to specify their second preference as a fallback in case they are not successful in the re-sit examinations. Applicants who obtain a pass in the re-sit examinations in any subject/s, need to inform the Office of the Registrar within five working days from publication of the result for the provisional application to be processed. If unsuccessful, applicants will be offered the second course of preference (if eligible). 9 . Applicants applying under the maturity clause must also present an Employment History Record for any work experience claimed, together with a motivation letter. 10. All applicants must fill in the official Application Form A (in triplicate) and submit it together with the original ID Card (+ photocopies from both sides),original Certificates/result slips (and photocopies), School Leaving Certificate (or Secondary School Certificate and Profile (SSC&P)) (and photocopy). FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 2398 7135/6 or email [email protected] A SHOWCASE TO YOUR FUTURE CAREER