norma jaen

Transcription

norma jaen

MCAST
LINK
SUMMER ISSUE 46
One Organisation,
three Colleges
New Corporate Identity
Apprenticeship Reform
EDITOR’S MESSAGE
pg3
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING
AND TRANSPORT
pg46
INFORMATION
pg5
INSTITUTE OF
COMMUNITY SERVICES
pg54
INSTITUTE OF
APPLIED SCIENCES
pg22
INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION AND
COMMUNCATION TECHNOLOGY
pg57
INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS
MANAGEMENT AND COMMERCE
pg28
LIBRARY AND LEARNING
RESOURCE CENTRE
pg63
GOZO CAMPUS
pg29
ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR
FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
pg65
pg32
INSTITUTE FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS
pg33
MCAST
LINK
SUMMER ISSUE 46
MCAST STUDENTS
One Organisation,
three Colleges
New Corporate Identity
Apprenticeship Reform
EDITOR’S MESSAGE
This issue introduces the new developments in the College that will enable it
to grow and strengthen all its different areas of its wide-ranging remit for the
benefit of its students. MCAST will remain one organisation incorporating
Levels 1 to 7 levels and will be introducing three colleges under the MCAST
umbrella namely the Foundation College, the Technical College and the
University College. A new logo and corporate identity was launched to reflect
these important developments.
The Annual College Conference focused on another important milestone
for MCAST - the reform of the Apprenticeship Scheme. This reform, which
aims to bring apprenticeship training to the centre of the local industry, is
rooted upon the collaborative practice between MCAST and industry. It aims
to provide apprentices with high-quality underpinning knowledge that is
indispensable for the growth of the local industry and economy.
Over 700 participants benefited from the free training courses offered by
the College as part of the ESF project entitled ‘Linking Industrial Needs and
Vocational Education and Training (VET) to Optimise Human Capital’ (ESF
2.85). More information on the Awards Ceremonies that recently took place on
completion of the project can be found inside.
This edition mentions the different Memorandums of Understanding
(MoUs) that MCAST has signed over the last few months for the benefit of
our students. These include the MoU with EY, with the Institute of Cellular
Pharmacology and with PBS. These collaborations strengthen the College’s
links with industry and provide a world of opportunities for our students.
Also included inside is information on the new Biomass Pilot Plant and
a Biomass Research Centre set up by the Institute of Applied Sciences
as part of the CRIM-SAFRI research project. This project, focused on the
sustainability of small/medium enterprises (SMEs) working predominantly
within the building and construction sector.
Teamwork and dedication go a long way. Twenty students following
Mechanical Engineering courses officially launched a prototype open-wheel
formula SAE race car designed and built from scratch by the students
themselves. The team called, ‘Skuderija Dinamika,’ will be participating in a
race against other groups from different colleges and universities in Parma.
Find us on Facebook
MCASTlink is produced by the Communications and PR Office
Produced & Edited:
Caroline Balzan, Communications & PR Manager
Design: Roderick Peresso Design Studio
Printing: Government Printing Press
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 accuracy, but the editor cannot
be held responsible for errors or omissions in articles, advertising, photographs or illustrations.
EDITOR’S MESSAGE
3
INFORMATION
MCAST LAUNCHES
NEW LOGO AND
CORPORATE IDENTITY
THAT REFLECT DEVELOPMENTS IN COLLEGE
FOR THE BENEFIT OF ITS STUDENTS
Hon. Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and Employment
4
Dr De Bono delivering his presentation on the new structure of MCAST
On Monday 15 June 2015 the Malta College of Arts, Science and
Technology (MCAST) launched its new logo and corporate identity to
reflect the current developments in its organisational structure. These
new structural developments will enable it to grow and strengthen
all the different areas of its wide-ranging remit for the benefit of its
students. These changes will build on the excellent work done by
different administrations in the past to build MCAST as the strong
institution it is today. These changes are being introduced following a
process of internal and external discussion over a series of more than
20 meetings with all MCAST staff, unions representing staff members,
student organisations and political parties.
1 to Level 6, and emphasising the possibility of one continuous and
strong pathway between the different levels. In order to strengthen its
focus on the different needs of students at these different levels, MCAST
will be introducing three colleges under the MCAST umbrella namely the
Foundation College, the Technical College and the University College.
ONE COLLEGE
Technical College
MCAST will remain one organisation incorporating all levels, from Level
The Technical College provides further programmes of study at MQF/
Foundation College
The Foundation College focuses on providing the best curricula and
learning pedagogies for candidates following courses at MQF/EQF
Levels 1, 2 and 3 by addressing their specific needs and preparing
them for further education at the Technical College.
Unveiling of the plaque
EQF Level 4 in closer collaboration with industry. The Advanced
Diplomas on offer prepares our students with the right knowledge,
skills and competences in order to take up technical positions within
industry or progress to the University College should they prefer
to do so. Our Level 4 programmes incorporate a wide range of
apprenticeships in various fields of studies thus enabling our students
to also gain practical work experience while studying.
University College
The University College caters for higher education programmes and
vocational degrees while also working in close collaboration with industry
in order to provide professionals that are both academically prepared and
practically trained to satisfy the needs of the local industry.
The Institutes and Centres provide all the technical and professional
expertise towards the delivery of all programmes at MCAST while
having the main aim of driving forward all the areas of study under
their respective responsibility with an outlook towards the future.
This corporate structure enables each College to create focused
strategies that address the specific needs of students at each level
while maintaining a healthy dialogue with all interested stakeholders
in order to provide the best programmes for the needs of the local
economy and society.
Minister Bartolo receiving memento from Mr Cachia, Principal
THE NEW LOGO
The new MCAST logo seeks to reflect these important changes
through various graphical aspects, mainly form, colour and
typography. The mark accompanying the logo is composed of three
‘ellipses’ assembled collectively. The ellipses represent pillars,
with each pillar representing the different Colleges within MCAST.
All levels of education are vital, both for the students, as they strive
to achieve their own personal high standards in an increasingly
competitive world, as well as industry, which in its vast variety
requires individuals with diverse skill sets and capabilities across
all levels. It is therefore the primary aim for each and every College
within MCAST to be a pillar of vocational education in Malta.
The pillars grow from one to the next, symbolizing the students’
continuous progression as they move forward in their quest
for knowledge and skills. The larger pillar, however, is always
embracing the smaller pillars to reflect the appreciation of the
whole academic journey MCAST’s students go through. The new
logo has moved to a more vibrant colour palette of red, blue and
golden yellow, each representing the three different colleges, while
collectively representing MCAST.
The new MCAST logo was designed by MCAST lecturers and students
of Graphic design from the MCAST Institute for Creative Arts
INFORMATION
5
NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON
DEVELOPING THE
GREEN ECONOMY
IN MALTA
The first national conference on ‘Developing the Green Economy in
Malta’ was held on Friday 12 June 2015 at the Institute of Applied
Science, MCAST Main Campus, Paola, with the aim of providing
an opportunity to students, industry representatives and interested
members of the general public to gain insights into environmental
issues and green jobs in Malta.
The conference was addressed by the Hon. Leo Brincat, Minister for
Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change, and
included presentations about local sustainability and environmental
initiatives by invited speakers from industry. These discussed how
existing initiatives, mainly relating to natural resources management,
can improve socio-economic and environmental sustainability.
During a second symposium, the role of research and development
for sustaining green jobs was discussed. Research carried out on
topics related to biodiversity and ecosystem services, ecological
restoration, water technology, climate change, and energy and traffic
management, and the implications of these for developing a green
economy in Malta were presented.
6
INFORMATION
Finally, a number of MCAST students, following the Advanced
Diploma in Environmental Sustainability and Higher Diploma
in Environmental Conservation courses, had the opportunity
to present work, relating to sustainability and the environment,
which they have carried out during their placements with several
organisations and companies.
MCAST AND PBS
SIGN MEMORANDUM
OF UNDERSTANDING
A Memorandum of Understanding
was signed between MCAST and
PBS on Monday 15 December 2015
at the MCAST Institute for the
Creative Arts, Targa Gap, Mosta.
The aim of the MOU is to enhance the collaboration
between MCAST and PBS to work with Malta Enterprise
to set up and run an incubation centre for audio/visual
media production houses. The Centre will help to prepare
and launch a new generation of Maltese youngsters into
the Audio/Visual Media production.
Through the memorandum of understanding, PBS will
support and mentor MCAST students who opt to work
Present for the signing were, from left, Mr Anton Attard, PBS CEO,
Dott. Cav. Tonio Portughese, Chairman PBS, the Hon. Evarist Bartolo,
Minister for Education and Employment, Dr Silvio De Bono, President
of the MCAST Board of Governors, and Mr Stephen Cachia, MCAST
Principal and CEO.
in the field of audio/visual media production by airing
students’ productions on PBS channels. The Incubation
Centre will also aim to offer internships to students
on exchange and research mobility programmes,
educational and training activities.
PBS will also be exploring the possibility of assisting
in the formation and execution of an apprenticeship
scheme in this area in collaboration with MCAST.
MCAST will be actively contributing to the
implementation of this MOU through the participation of
its students, and through the use of the state of the art
equipment and facilities at the MCAST Institute for the
Creative Arts, Targa Gap – Mosta.
INFORMATION
7
APPRENTICESHIP
PARTNERS LAUNCH
As part of its drive to bridge vocational education with industry,
for the second consecutive year, MCAST in collaboration with
the Ministry for Education and Employment, organised its Annual
National Conference. The theme of this year’s Conference
focused upon the reform of the Apprenticeship Scheme, which
aims to bring apprenticeship training to the centre of the local
industry. The reform is rooted upon a collaborative practice
between MCAST and local industry which provides apprentices
with high-quality underpinning knowledge that is indispensable for
the growth of the local industry and economy.
Since its inception in August 2014, the apprenticeship reform has
achieved a highly positive response from industry with over 350
industrial entities offering over 600 apprenticeship posts which
vary across training fields offered by MCAST such as, Finance and
Marketing, Electronics and Mechanical Engineering, Agriculture,
Construction, Applied Science, Hairdressing, Beauty and Sports.
At the end of the Conference held at the Mediterranean
Conference Centre, the Minister for Education and Employment,
the Hon. Evarist Bartolo presented certificates to sponsoring
apprenticeship partners authorizing them to use the MCAST
Apprenticeship Partner Logo on their company’s letterheads,
websites and other official corporate material.
Hon. Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and Employment (top)
and Dr Silvio De Bono addressing the audience
8
INFORMATION
Dr Silvio De Bono, President of the MCAST Board of Governors, and Fr Charlie Said, Rector
MCAST AND ST PATRICK’S
SALESIAN SCHOOL
SIGN MEMORANDUM
OF UNDERSTANDING
MCAST and St Patrick’s Salesian School in Sliema have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding that will see both parties collaborate
to institute and establish the St Patrick’s Salesian School (STPSS)
as an Associate College of the Malta College of Arts, Science and
Technology (MCAST).
MCAST will allow entry of STPSS students who have successfully
completed the accredited programme/s set up in joint collaboration
between MCAST and STPSS at the appropriate educational level
within its full-time training courses framework.
The College will also support St Patrick’s Salesian School in the
development of a curriculum for its educational programme/s and
will collaborate and work with STPSS to develop joint vocational
education training programmes that MCAST will accredit. St
Patrick’s Salesian School will involve MCAST in the development
of new training programmes and will make all training material
developed available to MCAST.
St. Patrick’s Salesian School, founded in 1903, provides a
supportive learning environment that empowers students with a
meaningful life-long education while assisting them in maximizing
their academic potential. It follows the National Curriculum
Framework and provides Vocational training with particular
emphasis on Media, Food Preparation and Design and Technology. The School also offers a number of activities such as Art, Drama,
Backstage, Sports, Eko Skola and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
MCAST was represented by Dr Silvio De Bono, President of the
MCAST Board of Governors, and Mr Stephen Cachia, Principal,
while St. Patrick’s Salesian School was represented by Fr Charlie
Said, Rector, and Fr Jesmond Apap, Headmaster.
INFORMATION
9
DANISH
STUDENTS
FROM
BORNHOLM
SPEND A
DAY AT
MCAST
10
INFORMATION
A group of 23 students from the Danish island Bornholm visited MCAST
on Wednedsay 25 March 2015. The students hailed from the Sixth Form
College on Campus Bornholm. Bornholm is an island in the Baltic Sea with
a geographic size similar to that of Malta, but with only 40,000 inhabitants.
The aim of the educational visit was to conduct research on Malta
and Gozo, and conduct a make analysis of the two islands as well as
comparisons between Denmark and Malta. One day was solely dedicated
to an extensive visit to MCAST, with the aim of learning about vocational
training in Malta, by participating in lectures, visiting institutes and also
making a presentation to Maltese students about Bornholm.
The students were given a presentation on MCAST by Ing Louis Aquilina
– Director Partnerships Office, which was followed by joining Maltese
students in a lecture at the Institute of Business and Commerce, and a visit
to the Institute of Community Services whereby the students participated
with their Maltese counterparts in a lecture/training in the Hairdressing and
Beauty Departments. The students were also shown round the Library and
Resource Centre facilities by MCAST Librarian Mr Laurence Zerafa.
MCAST PARTICIPATES IN
ILPO55 ERASMUS
PLUS PROJECT
Mr Ramon Mangion and Mr Albert Agius, Officers at MCAST
Curriculum Development and Quality Assurance Departments
respectively, attended the ILPO55 Erasmus Plus funded project in
Rome between the 23 and 24 February 2015. ILPO55 is a three
year Erasmus project, built on partners from the field of financial
services including banks, training providers and a trade union.
ILPO55 is the acronym for the project name ‘Intergenerational
Learning Partnership Over 55” .The project aims to address
the various European challenges and strategies relating to the
management of individuals aged over 55, by providing tangible
tools and approaches to improve their employability. Furthermore
the project seeks to support the imparting of skills and the transfer
of work-based competencies from employees who are ‘over 55’
to the younger generations of employees and vice-versa, thus
sustaining the increase in employee activity and efficiency. This
strategy would help to support the reduction of skills mismatch
and enhance entrepreneurial behaviour.
The initial project kicked off in Malta last October 2014.
Following the contribution from the partners related to the
project competencies, which included internal evaluation
and dissemination methodology, a second meeting hosted
by partner Effebi was held in Rome at the end of February
2015. The meeting consisted of a follow up regarding the
launch of a website which aims to inform the general public
about the project objectives, meetings updates and reports. Furthermore the partners’ contribution brought about the
defined instruments to attain further understanding of the
needs and gaps analysis.
In the coming months, the partners will be conducting
interviews using focus groups and surveys targeted to financial
service employees. A country report for five countries will be
concluded, thus setting the framework for further insight and
training needs assessment.
INFORMATION
11
MCAST IN INDIA
In November 2014 MCAST participated in
the European Higher Educational Fair 2014
in India along with over 75 other European
Higher Educational Institutions. Students
from India regularly pursue their studies
abroad and the goal of the fair is to make
students aware of the accredited Educational
Institutions available in the EU. MCAST
is being projected as one such suitable
institution. The Fair was held in New Delhi,
Bangalore and Calcutta. The interest was
extremely good and the local media gave
extensive coverage of the event.
Ing. Aquilina at the MCAST stand at the fair
MCAST AND EY
COLLABORATE
MCAST signed a collaboration agreement with EY (formerly known
as Ernst and Young) to mark the collaboration ‘Supporting
Entrepreneurship’. Through this partnership, EY will be taking an
active role in supporting the MCAST Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC)
in its mission to nurture young entrepreneurs who are willing to
explore the idea of starting up their own business.
The official signing of the MoU was signed by Dr Silvio De Bono
– President MCAST Board of Governors and Mr Ronald Attard
– Country Managing Partner EY, on Monday 5 January 2015
at MCAST. The Hon Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and
Employment, was present for the signing.
In his address, Dr Silvio De Bono emphasized the importance of
working with companies like EY Malta, who are leading professionals
both on a local and international scale, and who are offering students
their services and training in Entrepreneurship. Notwithstanding that
the MCAST Entrepreneurship Centre is in its embryonic stages,
12
INFORMATION
Dr De Bono (left) and Mr Ronald Attard (right), Managing Partner at EY, Shake hands in
the presence of Hon. Evarist Bartolo (centre)
this is a step further towards enriching MCAST students by helping
them set up their own businesses. Dr De Bono announced that he is
proud that such a leading company has come on board with MCAST
through this Memorandum of Understanding .
MG2I
TRAINS
ENGINEERS
A group of engineers from Transcargo International Limited
who have successfully completed an eight-week training
programme by MCAST Gateway to Industry (MG2I). The
Engineers were trained in AutoCAD 3D and Construction Site
Management. MG2I is particularly focussed on training for
industry and regularly organises specialised and accredited
training courses targeting industry needs.
INFORMATION
13
MS DANIELA SCHADT
VISITS MCAST
On Thursday 30 April 2015, Ms
Daniela Schadt, partner of the Federal
President of Germany, Mr Joachim
Gauck, visited the MCAST Institute of
Applied Sciences – Applied Science.
She met up with MCAST students and
discussed migration, integration and
education. Ms Schadt was greeted by
Mr Stephen Cachia, Principal and CEO.
ARCHBISHOP
VISITS MCAST
His Grace Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna on his first
visit to MCAST to celebrate Mass on the occasion of
Our Lady of Sorrows, on Friday 29 March 2015.
14
INFORMATION
MCAST CELEBRATES
EUROPEAN
YOUTH WEEK
2015
MCAST participated in the celebration of
European Youth Week 2015. The event,
supported by MCAST students and members
of staff, was held at MCAST Main Campus on
Wednesday 6 May 2015. Activities included
workshops, discussions as well as food
tasting of traditional Maltese food.
INFORMATION
15
MCAST
LECTURERS
RECEIVE
CERTIFICATES
Mr Robert Cassar receiving the certificate
On Thursday 14 May 2015 a group of MCAST lecturers,
that successfully completed courses carried out by the
Criminology Department within the University of Malta, were
presented by certificates.
This group of lecturers were professionally trained to deliver
courses to inmates at the Corradino Corrective Facility as part
of the ESF Project 3.110, entitled Better Future – Promoting an
Equal and Inclusive Labour Market.
16
INFORMATION
The MCAST lecturers delivered courses to the inmates at the
Corradino Corrective Facility in ICT Training, Innovative Office
Hands-on Training and Skills for Employment. They also coordinated a series of workshop-based courses which included
units in Woodwork, Stone Masonry, Plumbing, Plastering and
Tile laying, Sewing and Textiles, Beauty/Nail Technician.
The aim of this ESF project was to provide the inmates at the
Corradino Corrective Facility with an opportunity to acquire a
variety of new skills that would help to prepare them to adapt
and integrate well in the work-place.
MCAST CELEBRATES
DAY AGAINST
HOMOPHOBIA
On Tuesday 12 May 2015, MCAST celebrated the day against homophobia
by holding mass at the MCAST Chapel and by organising a play and
discussion. The play, written by Mr Ray Mangion and directed by Ms
Marina Sceberras and Ms Elysia Marie Farrugia, was held in the canteen
area at MCAST Main Campus. Its aim was to provoke people to think
about how attitudes and language impact those who are different and
prevent them from being themselves.
After the play, Ms Beverley Abela, a lecturer at the Institute of Community
Services, facilitated a discussion about homophobia. The scriptwriter of the
play, together with Mr Michael Conti, one of the Counsellors at MCAST, Ms
Gaby Calleja from MGRM and Mr Andy Catania were invited to share their
thoughts about homophobia especially in relation to bullying.
Various students participated in the discussion by voicing their support for
LGBTI people and encouraging them to be themselves regardless of other
people’s negative attitudes or comments. The discussion took a wider
perspective as participants ended up discussing the problem of discrimination
in general, be it related to sexual orientation, ability or ethnicity. The session
was concluded by Dr Patrick Attard, one of the organisers of the event.
INFORMATION
17
STUDENTS
DONATE TO
SOS NEPAL
FIVE
ACTAVIS
EMPLOYEES
STUDY AT
MCAST
Five Actavis employees – Odette Bellizzi, Jeunesse
Gafà, Maximillian Grech, Donatella Mizzi and
Jeffrey Scicluna – successfully completed a Level 3
Certificate course in Applied Laboratory Science at
the MCAST.
Ryan Dave Micallef presenting the donation to Ms Taylor East, CEO SOS Malta
The course offered the Actavis employees a
strong grounding in fundamental science and
technology principles, and an initial exposure
to vocational science subjects found in health,
environmental and engineering industries.
They were also provided training on the physical
principles behind certain technologies, the science
of different materials, and the principles concerning
forces, speed, heat and energy.
Students following the Pathway to Independent Living Programme that collected the funds
Students following the Pathway to Independent Living Programme
collected Euro 200 for the campaign in aid of the victims of the earthquakes
in Nepal. The money was collected by selling handmade key-chains,
jewellery and other crafts within MCAST and was donated to SOS Malta,
an NGO that is involved in the provision of material to Nepalese schools.
The presentation of the donation was held at Student House on the 19
May 2015. Mr Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal and CEO, and Ms
Claudia Taylor East, CEO SOS Malta, both addressed the students and
staff with a few words of thanks.
18
INFORMATION
During a ceremony held to present certificates to
the employees, Actavis Managing Director Malta
Operations, Patrick Cachia said: “The organisation
of this training course forms part of the company’s
commitment to engage its employees and provide
them with opportunities to challenge themselves
to improve their skills to meet stringent market
requirements.”
MCAST RESKILLS
AND RETRAINS
700 PERSONS
IN RESPONSE TO INDUSTRY’S NEEDS
Four hundred and eighty participants received certificates after
successful completion of the courses provided through the ESF
project entitled ‘Linking Industrial Needs and Vocational Education
and Training (VET) to Optimise Human Capital’ (ESF 2.85). The
Awards Ceremonies took place on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 May
at MCAST Main Campus, Paola.
MCAST partnered with the Institute of Tourism Studies and the
National Commission for Further and Higher Education on this
project, which fell under Operational Programme II – Cohesion
Policy 2007-2013. The objective of this project was to increase
the number of trained and skilled persons in order to address the
emerging trends and developments in the labour market. It was
designed to address Government’s policy of targeting investment
in order to enable human resources to shift from the declining
industries to expanding and new sectors.
This project targeted ten sectors namely Pharmaceuticals and
Chemicals, Financial Services, ICT, Furniture Manufacturing,
Printing, Infrastructure, Food Production and Service, Beverage
Production and Service, Maritime and Plastics Manufacturing.
The first phase of the project identified the potential skills gaps
and shortages of the present workforce. These were identified
through meetings with sector groups organised by the Malta
Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry as well through
ten different industry-specific surveys. The second phase of
the project addressed these lacunae and implemented specific
training which included 115 different stand-alone short courses
(modules) grouped into ten awards. Each short course aimed
at ensuring the availability of a flexible workforce capable of
responding to new occupational needs, key competencies and
future skills requirements.
Over 700 persons have benefited from this project by gaining
skills that make them more adaptable, employable and mobile.
Enterprises in turn have benefited by influencing the training
curricula through it their participation in sector groups which will
eventually lead to a higher supply of better trained personnel.
INFORMATION
19
MCAST LECTURER PRESENTED WITH
CITY & GUILDS AWARD
Mr Joseph Cilia holding the medal
Mr Joseph Cilia, a lecturer at MCAST, was presented with the City
& Guilds Medal for Excellence, in recognition of his efforts and
commitments to his students at the College’s Institute of Building
and Construction Engineering. The award was presented by City &
Guilds and MCAST officials at the MCAST Main Campus, in Paola,
on Wednesday 3rd June.
20
joined MCAST as a deployed lecturer and started lecturing Welding and
Fabrication at the Institute of Building and Construction Engineering
at Naxxar. He obtained the Technology Education Certificate from the
University of Malta and the City & Guilds Licentiateship L5 Diploma from
City & Guilds in 2004.
Each year City & Guilds select, from a pool of almost two million
potential candidates from across the globe, less than 100 Medals for
Excellence Award recipients. The prestigious accolades are awarded
to those who have displayed exceptional standards and whose
ability and achievement have made them stand out from the crowd.
During his career at MCAST Mr Cilia delivered several programmes,
including, amongst others, to Seifert International, TUG Malta and
the Restoration Directorate. He is currently lecturing on the Level 5
MG2I Welding Units courses on a voluntary basis. He is also a City
& Guilds internal verifier at the Institute of Building and Construction
Engineering at MCAST.
With 40 years’ experience in his field, Mr Cilia started his career working
as a workshop foreman after graduating from the Technical Institute in
1972. In 1986 he joined the Education Division as an instructor where
he prepared students for the City & Guilds 822 syllabus in Welding
and a few years later followed the International Welding Specialist
Diploma at the Japan Welding and Engineering Society. In 2001 he
The Medal for Excellence Award was presented to Mr Cilia by Mr
Thomas Mallon, City & Guilds Regional Manager (Europe), in the
Mr Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal and CEO, Mr Ronald Curmi,
Registrar, Mr John Vella, Institute of Building and Construction
Engineering Director and Mr Godwin Caruana, Deputy Director
Institute of Building and Construction Engineering.
INFORMATION
MCAST AND THE INSTITUTE OF
CELLULAR PHARMACOLOGY LTD.
SIGN MEMORANDUM
OF UNDERSTANDING
Dr Silvio De Bono, President MCAST Board of Governors, and Mr Charles Saliba, Managing Director ICP Ltd, shaking hands.
On the 3 February 2015 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed
between MCAST and the Institute of Cellular Pharmacology Ltd.
Through the Memorandum of Understanding, MCAST and ICP
Ltd will develop a collaborative initiative in the MCAST Institute of
Agribusiness, to set up a joint research centre focusing on animal
husbandry, breeding and nutrition research. The parties shall
collaborate to set up research facilities related to animal husbandry,
breeding and nutrition and the improved sustainability of the animal
husbandry industry in Malta.
The Institute of Cellular Pharmacology Ltd is a local company
based in Mosta Technopark specialising in biotechnology and
the successful exploitation of local natural products and their
active extracts. In particular they have been quite successful with
their seaweed extract, nowadays exported as a nutrient animal
feed additive, and with their prickly pear extract which is used in
cosmetics and is being tested for aquaculture as well. ICP Ltd
is already working with MCAST by providing apprenticeships for
Applied Science students.
The MOU was signed by Dr Silvio De Bono, President MCAST
Board of Governors and Mr Charles Saliba, Managing Director
ICP Ltd. This collaboration will greatly benefit both students and
lecturers at MCAST Institute of Agribusiness.
INFORMATION
21
INSTITUTE OF APPLIED SCIENCES – APPLIED SCIENCES
INAUGURATION OF COMBINED
GREYWATER RECYCLING SYSTEM
AND PILOT GREEN ROOF
APPLICATION AT THE MCAST
THE SIGNIFICANT GREYWATER REUSE POTENTIAL
FOR GREEN ROOFS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE
MICROCLIMATE TO BE STUDIED
Hon Chris Agius unveiling the plaque
The greywater recycling system and the green roof
project at the Institute of Applied Sciences – Applied Science
The Institute of Applied Sciences – Applied Science opened its doors to
the public, on Thursday 26 March 2015, for the inauguration of its newly
installed greywater recycling system and green roof, in the presence of
Hon. Chris Agius, Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation,
Youth and Sport, and Prof. Michael Scoullos, Chairman of the Global
Water Partnership – Mediterranean (GWP-Med).
The greywater recycling system and the green roof were installed in
the framework of the Non-conventional Water Resources (NCWR)
Programme in Malta or Alter Aqua, a multi-stakeholder initiative
promoting the NCWR utilisation as a sustainable way to enhance water
availability and climate change adaptation in the Maltese Islands. It
is implemented by the Sustainable Energy and Water Conservation
Unit of the Ministry for Energy and Health, the Ministry for Gozo and
its EcoGozo Project, the GWP-Med and the Coca-Cola System in
22
INSTITUTE OF APPLIED SCIENCES – APPLIED SCIENCE
Malta, with a $1.24 million Coca-Cola Foundation grant and cofunding by the Ministry for Gozo. The planning and installation took
place in collaboration with the Institute of Applied Sciences – Applied
Science, involving students and scientific staff, in a technical study
which included calculations for the greywater recycling potential and
the system’s design. With approximately 1,000 students hosted at
the Institute, mostly involved in environmental studies and water
technologies, the greywater recycling system will serve both operational
and educational purposes.
“This type of project is a first for Malta, with MCAST being a pioneer
in its application,” Hon. Chris Agius said. “I am very pleased to hear
that there are similar cases within the Alter Aqua Project, both already
completed with very good results throughout Malta, as well as in the
Project’s pipeline. We look forward to more such projects that will
benefit our country, because that’s the way forward. We have to be
innovative and cutting-edge, and this inauguration here, today, is an
example of that approach,” he stressed. A workshop on greywater
recycling systems, open to all students, preceded the inauguration
event, offering insights on the greywater recycling potential, as
an alternative water resource, and the technical details of such a
system. Mr. Manuel Sapiano, Chief Technical Officer on Water at the
Sustainable Energy and Water Conservation Unit of the Ministry for
Energy and Health, explained the NCWR critical role in the currently
developed New Water Management Plan for the Maltese Islands,
while Dr. Ing. Alex Rizzo, Director of the Institute of Applied Sciences –
Applied Science, elaborated on the lessons learned from the greywater
recycling experience at MCAST. The Alter Aqua Programme’s
objectives, activities and achievements, and its contribution to the water
scarcity challenge in Malta were presented by GWP-Med.
At MCAST, greywater collected from the wash-hand basins of the
five-story building’s bathrooms is initially pumped through two new
greywater pipes to the storage reservoir in the basement. It is then
pumped through a polyethylene pipe to the three tanks placed on the
building’s roof, where it is treated, and then stored for irrigation of the
building’s green roof. The latter consists of plant trays with species
adapted to local climate conditions, irrigated with treated greywater
through a controlled irrigation system. With a green roof’s irrigation by
recycled greywater being implemented for the first time in Malta, Alter
Aqua showcased a significant pilot application that will help assess
the greywater recycling potential for green roof irrigation, advance the
NCWR utilization in the Maltese Islands and expand green roofs, with a
significant changing effect on the microclimate.
The application at MCAST is part of the 2nd Alter Aqua phase (20142015), along with the reinstatement of the historic 1,600 m3 capacity
rainwater harvesting reservoir at the premises of the Ministry for
Gozo, where the collected runoff rainwater is used for landscaping
irrigation and new forestation projects. The two green infrastructure
interventions followed the installation or reinstatement, during Alter
Aqua’s 1st phase (2011-2013), of 10 Rainwater Harvesting Systems
in public school buildings, a Greywater Recycling System at the Gozo
Football Stadium and a Stormwater retention application at the Ramla
Valley in the Island of Gozo. For Alter Aqua, instilling the values of
sustainable water management to the next generation through the
Alter Aqua educational activities, is essential to better preserve and
enhance the Maltese islands’ scarce water resources: 6,640 students
have participated in hands-on educational activities for sustainable
development in schools, while 525 teachers have been trained and
provided with the Alter Aqua Educational Material, for which the
Programme received a STENCIL Award for the most innovative
science related educational resources in Europe in 2013. Last, but
not least, Alter Aqua supports the Ministry for Gozo’s Sustainable
Development Action Plan, as implemented in the framework of the
EcoGozo project, and contributes to the development of the National
Water Management Plan for the Maltese Islands.
NEW STUDENT ORGANISATION
AT THE INSTITUTE OF APPLIED
SCIENCES – APPLIED SCIENCES - IASSO
The Institute of Applied Science Student Organisation (IASSO) is a student-to-student
organisation based at the Institute of Applied Sciences – Applied Science. The aim of
this organisation is to enhance student life both on a social and on an educational level. It
strives to increase scientific, health and environmental awareness and promote on-going
activities both within and outside the Institute with the aim of connecting people and
moving forward together.
IASSO has recently also launched a website with more information on what goes on at
the Institute, any upcoming events and how students can be part of this team.
www.iasstudentorganisation.weebly.com/
23
VOCATIONAL TRAINING SESSIONS
FOR HIGHER DIPLOMA IN ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSERVATION STUDENTS
A Higher Diploma in Environmental Conservation
student carrying out an ecological survey of the
wild rabbit in Comino
Higher Diploma in Environmental Conservation students investigating
the distribution of different plant species in coastal areas
Undergraduate students following the Higher Diploma course in Environmental Conservation at the Institute
of Applied Sciences – Applied Science participated in a full week of practical training activities. During these
sessions, the students were introduced to lab techniques used for monitoring soil characteristics and water
quality, and subsequently these were employed in order to characterise samples collected from around
Malta and Gozo. The students also had to opportunity to learn about the air quality and weather monitoring
equipment, available at the Institute of Applied Sciences – Applied Science, and analysed data across a
temporal scale. The students also carried out an ecological survey of the indigenous rabbit of Malta during
a full-day visit to Comino. Data obtained was then used to provide an indication of the relative size of the
population. Students worked in teams and, accompanied by the Institute of Applied Sciences – Applied
Science lecturers, walked transects across the island whilst taking note of active rabbit warrens. In another
field work visit, the students investigated zonation of plant communities at Żonqor (Marsascala) to determine
how the community changes as one gets closer to the shoreline. The students then used this data to map
the distribution of selected plant species within this coastal area.
The Higher Diploma in Environmental Conservation is a EQF Level 5 course and a main component leading
to the B.Sc (Hons) in Environmental Engineering. These environmental courses aim at developing students’
understanding of environmental and natural resource problems and their problem-solving and project management
skills. The programme is designed to ensure that students acquire an integrated knowledge of how local and global
ecological systems work, as well as an understanding of the interdependence of society on its environment.
Further details on the Higher Diploma Course in Environmental Conservation may be obtained from the
Environmental Sciences Programme Coordinator Dr Mario V Balzan at mario.balzan(at)mcast.edu.mt or by
accessing the Institute of Applied Sciences – Applied Science website at www.mcast.edu.mt/ias
24
MCAST CONCLUDES RESEARCH PROJECT AND
SETS UP A BIOMASS PILOT PLANT AND
BIOMASS RESEARCH CENTRE
At the Biomass plant at Eurocraft Joinery Ltd at Ta’ Qali
MCAST has set up a Biomass Pilot Plant and a Biomass Research
Centre as part of the CRIM SAFRI research project that has just
been completed. This project, part-financed by the European
Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Italia-Malta
Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2007-2013, focused on
the sustainability of small/medium enterprises (SMEs) working
predominantly within the building and construction sector. The
research project was worth €2,191,647.00.
The Research Centre, situated at the MCAST Institute of Applied
Sciences – Applied Science, is now 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, which operates from Eurocraft Joinery
Ltd at Ta’ Qali, converts construction wood waste, including saw
dust and wood shavings, into energy. The aim is to export this
energy into the national energy grid in the future, and this should
The participants
provide Eurocraft Joinery Ltd with a revenue for the waste that
has been utilized. This in turn makes the company’s operational
activities more sustainable and will also reduce the need for it
to dispose of its waste materials. The pilot research on biomass
conversion has provided new learning into how these companies
can become more sustainable by turning their waste into energy,
as opposed to disposing of it.
Eight partners participated in this research project. Six of
them were Italian partners from the south of Italy. The eight
partners were: 1) the Regione Sicilia-Assessorato Regionale
Territorio e Ambientale-Urban Department; 2) the University of
Palermo-Department of Energy; 3) the Institute of Biomedicine
and Molecular Immunology-Alberto Monroy; 4) the Department
for Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity; 5) the Agrigento
Agricultural Chamber of Commerce; 6) the Med.O.R.O.
Institute for Research, Work and Territorial Development of the
Mediterranean; 7) the Malta Intelligent Energy Management
Agency (MIEMA), and 8) MCAST.
25
INSTITUTE OF APPLIED SCIENCES
CENTRE FOR AGRICULTURE, AQUATICS AND ANIMAL SCIENCES
MCAST AGRIBUSINESS
SYMPOSIUM 2015
On the 25 February 2015, the MCAST Centre for Agriculture,
Aquatics and Animal Sciences held a Symposium dedicated to
research in agriculture and its related sectors. This symposium
was the first of its kind for higher education in Malta. The
symposium’s aim was to bring to the forefront research work
carried out by students who graduated with Honours in the
Bachelor of Science in Animal Management degree course
and in the Bachelor of Science in Horticulture degree course.
All research work was carried out under the supervision of the
lecturers and tutors at the Centre for Agriculture, Aquatics and
Animal Sciences. The research carried out is highly significant
to local industry and will pave the way for greater collaboration
between the vocational educational sector and private as well as
public entities within the broader agricultural sector.
26
The research and results presented focussed on issues that affect
the local animal husbandry and horticultural industry with the aim
of improving the efficiency, productivity and long term sustainability
of the industry. This also included a focus on wildlife conservation,
veterinary services and fish management in aquaculture, a very
important and dynamic industry for Malta.
Mr Roderick Galdes, Hon. Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture,
Fisheries and Animal Rights, Dr Silvio De Bono, MCAST President
of the Board of Governors, Mr Victor Satariano, Deputy Chairman
MCAST Board of Governors, Mr Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal
and CEO, MCAST Senior Management and guests attended this
Symposium. Also present were students and lecturing staff fron the
Centre for Agriculture, Aquatics and Animal Sciences.
INSTITUTE OF APPLIED SCIENCES – CENTRE FOR AGRICULTURE, AQUATICS AND ANIMAL SCIENCES
INSTITUTE OF APPLIED SCIENCES – CENTRE FOR AGRICULTURE, AQUATICS AND ANIMAL SCIENCES
27
INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
AND COMMERCE
FTIAS LIMITED
VISIT
Ms Apap delivering her presentation
On Wednesday 18 February 2015, the Diploma for Accounting
Technicians course students who are in their third year of
studies at the Institute of Business Managment and Commerce,
were given the opportunity to meet Ms Cristine Apap - Human
Resources and Administration Manager at FTIAS Limited. The
company specialises in the provision of back-office services,
including general bookkeeping and accounts management,
suppliers’ invoices control, debtors’ invoices control and payroll.
28
INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND COMMERCE
During the event, Ms Apap delivered an informative talk about FTIAS
Limited and the various career opportunities that are being provided
by the company to those who wish to embark upon a career within the
accountancy field. Ms Apap also explained that FTIAS Limited also
gives due importance to social interaction amongst its employees and
thus its Social Committee Club organises regular social activities. At the
end of the talk, students participated in a quiz which consisted of a set
of questions about FTIAS Limited. Two students correctly answered all
the questions and they were given a token for their effort.
GOZO CAMPUS
MCAST GOZO CAMPUS STUDENTS
AMBASSADORS FOR
SUSTAINABILITY
A group of students following Electrical, Construction and ICT Diploma
courses at the MCAST Gozo Campus recently participated in a Life-Long
Learning project meeting in Glasgow, Scotland. The project, entitled
‘Sustainability in the New Europe – Ambassadors for Sustainability’, aims
to bring together learning communities from different parts of Europe. Over
a two-year period 29 MCAST Gozo Campus students and staff members
have participated in mobilities to the other partner organizations, namely,
Glasgow Kelvin College, Lüdenscheid’s Berufskölleg für Technik des
Markishen Kreises and Groningen’s Alfa College. Earlier this academic year, a similar project meeting was held at the
MCAST Gozo Campus which hosted staff and students from the
foreign partner institutions.
After analyzing the situation in each respective country during the first
year of the project, the students were involved in the selection of a
building (belonging to an NGO) to identify ways to make it sustainable.
The tasks included several site visits, the measurement of the roof
space, identification of site orientation as well as the necessary
calculations to establish the return of investment. Nine participants
were divided into three groups, focusing on rainwater harvesting,
photovoltaic installations and solar water heating systems. The design
proposals by the Gozitan students were presented at Glasgow Kelvin
College. The students highlighted their sustainable design proposals.
The project partners are currently collating the work done by
students from the different partner institutions. This will be included
in a multimedia DVD as the project’s final product.
During their stay in Scotland, the group went on a day trip to Ben
Cruahan, “The Hollow Mountain”, to visit one of UK’s most amazing
engineering achievements, the Cruahan Power Station, the first
reversible pump-storage hydro power station that was ever built.
The group was given a guided tour, one kilometre deep into the
mountain, to view the turbine casings with a detailed explanation of
how the station operates. Valves from the Cruahan Dam Reservoir,
replenished by pumped water from Loch Awe during off-peak
period and complemented by rainfall, can be opened to activate
the turbines which can potentially deliver 440MW of power to the
UK national grid within a timeframe ranging from 27 seconds to 2
minutes, depending on the state of the turbines. In fact the plant has
an almost instantaneous response to power demand surges and
serves as an emergency backup to the British national grid.
The students appreciated the relatively simple engineering concept,
yet of massive proportions, which produces green, renewable energy
with minimal environmental impact as the hydro-plant is completely
encapsulated within the mountain. In fact, outside the mountain, the
scenery of Ben Cruahan and Loch Awe are simply breath-taking,
typical of the Scottish Highlands.
The programme also included a cultural visit to Edinburgh,
with visits to the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish
National Museum.
In Glasgow, students from each participating college had the
opportunity to interact, share ideas and also spend some evenings
together. The benefits of this will continue to be reaped in the years
to come. The visit was also very rewarding to the staff, both from
a professional as well as from a personal perspective. The group
was accompanied by Mr Godwin Grech, Director Gozo Campus, Ms
Marilyn Cefai, Mr Sammy Mifsud and Mr Charlie Portelli.
GOZO CAMPUS
29
OPEN DAY
AT GOZO CAMPUS
30
GOZO CAMPUS
GOZO CAMPUS
31
MCAST ENTREPRENEURSHIP
CENTRE LAUNCHES
AGRITOURISM
PROJECT
From left: Mr Eric Flask, Director Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Mr Pierre Fenech, Executive Director ITS,
Mr Stephen Cachia, Principal ad CEO MCAST, and Mr Sandro Chetcuti, President Malta Developers Association.
MCAST, through the MCAST Entrepreneurship Centre, has
launched its Agritourism Project that aims to support students
develop their entrepreneurial potential within this promising
industry. The launch took place on Thursday 21 May at the
Institute of Tourism Studies, St Julian’s.
During the past two years MCAST has embarked on a process
to develop and support entrepreneurship as a key skill for its
students. Through the MCAST Entrepreneurship Centre it aims to
provide students the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurship
skills through tailored business training, one-to-one mentoring,
the provision of space for business development and also
through travel initiatives such as the Agritourism Project. These
activities contribute to the educational aspect of the curriculum
by informing, captivating and guiding students to transform their
ideas and dreams into sustainable realities.
32
Due to the potential of the agritourism industry in Malta, MCAST
decided to embark on the Agritourism Project and provide students
with opportunities to train and acquire the skills and knowledge
needed to be successful within this growing industry.
As part of this project, ten students from different MCAST Institutes
and two from the Institute of Tourism Studies, will be visiting various
agritourism centres in Sicily. These visits, which will focus on various
aspects of the agritourism industry including water management,
construction techniques, agriculture, animal breeding and petting,
will provide the students with the hands-on experience and the
knowledge required to be entrepreneurial within this area.
The main sponsors of this project are the Malta Developers
Association, the Institute of Tourism Studies within the Ministry of
Tourism, Finnestral Ltd and Camray Ltd.
ONGOING COLLABORATION
WITH BANIF BANK
The digital age has placed a myriad of tools and programmes at
photographers’ fingertips, making it easier than ever for the uninitiated
to slap a couple of filters onto their snapshot and call it art. But digital
tools cannot replace technical precision. It takes study and practice to
take those pictures that truly move, evoke and inspire.
taking on the role of a client and commissioning them to carry out jobs
as part of a simulated real work situation, with an industry-specific brief
outlining requirements and brand guidelines. The work is then used in a
variety of the Organisation’s marketing collateral, serving to both further
exposure and to give students valuable on-the-job experience.
The ongoing collaboration between Banif Bank and the MCAST
Institute for the Creative Arts continues to reap fantastic results
whilst fostering the next generation of aspiring artists.
The focus of the project was to capture four of the localities in which
Banif Bank operates - Gzira, Mosta, Fgura and Paola. All of them
are bustling hubs of activity – uniquely modern urban tapestries of
crowded store-fronts, concrete behemoths and jam-packed tarmac,
given life by the comings and goings of hundreds of residents,
workers and visitors. And yet even in today’s consumer-centric
Eight first year students following the National Higher Diploma in
Photography were invited to take part in a ‘Life Case’, with the Bank
33
homogeneity, rare flashes of underlying beauty occasionally catch
the perceptive eye of the photographer.
Experimenting with the techniques learnt in the classroom and
onsite, the final photo portfolios were a wonderful assortment of
form, composition, exposure and light. Through the inspired (some
may say untainted) lenses of these eager young students the
localities’ character was truly uncovered. Be it a macro or wideangle, every photo invites the viewer to take a closer look at the
intricacies which most take for granted.
“The collaboration between Banif Bank and MCAST Institute for
the Creative Arts can be considered as one of our ongoing success
stories,” said Stephen Vella, Director, MCAST Institute for the
34
Creative Arts. “Students were challenged to test their skills once
again through another ‘life case’. The photography works produced
by the students should leave a good impression on the Bank’s
customers, whilst students will benefit greatly through the exposure
their work will enjoy. We are grateful to Banif for giving our students
another enriching experience.”
“We always give projects of this nature the importance and support they
deserve,” said Simon Grech, Head of Corporate Services at Banif Bank.
“In the past, we had used the Bank’s branches and perpetual agenda
to great effect by prominently featuring MCAST students’ works. We
are currently exploring opportunities through which we can maximise
exposure for this year’s students, as part of our ongoing commitment to
foster new talent in the local art scene.”
Maria Xuereb - Manoel Island
35
Maria Xuereb - Duck Village
Maria Xuereb - Duck Village
Maria Xuereb - Manoel Island
36
Claire Aquilina
James Shelly - Manoel Island
James Shelley
Dillion Debono
Thea Abegail
Thea Abegail - Paola Fenced
37
MarieClaire Portelli
38
Dillion Debono - Raħal Ġdid Church and Tear Drop
Norma Jean Farrugia Gatt - Door Knob
Claire Aquilina - Sunset Overlooking the Cemetery No2
Sarah Galea - Paola Door
Claire Aquilina - Purple Flower
39
James Shelley - Gzira The Strand
James Shelley - Gzira Main Road
Claire Aquilina - Detail Old Door
MarieClaire Portelli - Orpheum Theatre
40
MarieClaire Portelli - Gzira Pjazza
Norma Jaen Farrugia Gatt - Birds in Motion
Norma Jean Farrugia Gatt
Thea Abegail - Paola Bench
41
LAUNCH OF THE LOGO COMPETITION FOR THE
2017 MALTA EU PRESIDENCY
On 2 February 2015 Dr Ian Borg, Parliamentary
Secretary for the EU Presidency and EU Funds, in the
presence of Mr Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal and
CEO and Mr Stephen Vella, Director Institute for the
Creative Arts launched the Logo Competition for the
2017 Malta EU Presidency with the Graphic Design
students. In welcoming Dr Borg, Mr Cachia said that
MCAST was honoured to have been chosen for the
design. He thanked Dr Borg for giving MCAST Creative
Arts students this opportunity to work on a project which
may be considered not only a live case, but
After giving a brief overview of the EU Presidency,
Dr Borg, described to the students present the
importance of the corporate identity of such a logo
which will be on all media promo material when Malta
takes over the EU Presidency in 2017.
THE DULUX LET’S COLOUR PROJECT
TAKES TO THE CORRIDORS OF
MCAST – INSTITUTE FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS
The Dulux Let’s Colour Project took to the corridors of MCAST for a second
successful edition of the programme. First year Interior Design students
following the Higher National Diploma put their skills to the test with an
Interior Design Project organised by Vee Gee Bee. Students set out to
design three MCAST corridors, with the scope of creating a more vibrant
environment using colour. The winning design was selected by a judging
panel consisting of representatives from MCAST as well as Vee Gee Bee.
The Let’s Colour Programme aims to make a positive difference to
people’s lives with colour. Through this event, not only did students
get the chance to see their work showcased for all to enjoy, but they
also got the opportunity to learn about the importance of colour and
42
the psychology behind it. Vee Gee Bee’s colour consultant, Trudy
Xuereb, also spoke about other Let’s Colour Projects organised by
Dulux internationally.
The chosen concept was designed by Marie Rapa, Jo Marie Mayo,
Sophia Kuzmenko and Stephanie Lehniger, under the guidance of
lecturers Shawn Muscat and Vanessa Pace O’Shea. Speaking on their
design, the students said ‘We were inspired by the natural light reflected
uniquely in each corridor. Therefore, we selected colours and design
schemes that emphasised these reflections.’ Students described the
project as an enjoyable and insightful experience and look forward to
future events organised by Vee Gee Bee in collaboration with Dulux.
LAUNCH OF
KULTURATV AT MCAST
KulturaTV was recently launched at the MCAST Institute
for the Creative Arts. This scheme will incentivize the
development of cultural and creative content on private
broadcasting stations in order to enhance the quality of
television programming in Malta.
From left: Mr Toni Attard, Director Strategy, Arts Council Malta, Hon. Dr Owen
Bonnici, Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government, Mr Albert Marshall,
Chair, Arts Council Malta, Mr Victor Satariano, Vice-President MCAST Board of
Governors, and Mr Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal and CEO.
STUDENTS’ WORK
AT BANIF BANK
Works by Tamsin Pace Decesare and
Sacha Attard Yeon adorn the walls
in Banif Bank’s ATM room at their St.
Julian’s branch. The photos were taken
as part of the ‘Banif Bank Location
Photography Life Case 2014’.
43
EXHIBITION OF
ARTWORKS
BY SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Hon Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and Employment, opened
an exhibition of artworks by secondary school students hailing from
different Church Schools. These works were produced by students
studying 3D Design and Technology as well as Art, and vary from 2D
to 3D pieces in different media. The works are exhibited in the main
administration corridor at the MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts.
The Exhibition was coordinated by Dr Roseanne Cauchi Cuschieri,
Director of the Secretariat for Catholic Education.
44
45
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TRANSPORT
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING
MCAST STUDENTS
BUILDING EUROPE IN 3D
Participants in the bi-lateral Comenius Programme
Ten students studying at the Institute of Engineering and Transport
– Building and Construction Engineering, together with two lecturers
Mr Christian Brincat and Mr Mario Bugeja, participated in a bi-lateral
Comenius Programme. The first mobility was co-ordinated with the
Istituto Tecnico Commerciale e Geometra Crescenzi in Bologna.
The project entitled ‘Building Europe in 3D’ consisted in finding a
location in Bologna, which in this case was the ‘Porta Saragozza’, one
of the 12 gates in Bologna. During their stay the students had to survey
46
the area and the gate itself and created a 3D model digitally as part of
the project. The students also visited other educational sites including
the Istituto di Istruzione Superiore where they were given information
about local tremors and other geological movements.
The Institute of Engineering and Transport – Building and
Construction Engineering will be hosting the Italian students in a
few months’ time. The programme will include several educational
activities, including the 3D building design of historical buildings.
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TRANSPORT - BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING
POSITIVE EXPERIENCE
FOR AUSTRIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
The participants
Daniel Danner and Andreas Hoegl, Two Austrian University
students reading for a Bachelor’s degree programme in Eco-Energy
Engineering, carried out an ERASMUS study programme at the
Institute of Engineering and Transport – Building and Construction
Engineering between October 2014 and February 2015.
Daniel and Andreas completed four modules of the BSc (Hons.)
in Construction Engineering programme. These included the
Mathematical methods Module which dealt with statistics, finite element
methods and numeric integration; the Building Services Installation
and Design module covering topics like standards and legislations,
energy efficiency, heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC); the
Advanced Project Management module which dealt with time, cost
and quality management, and the relationship between clients, and
the Building Materials module which covered materials for buildings,
their properties and testing methods. The students were also given the
opportunity to follow the Research Methodology module which prepared
them for the writing of their dissertations.
The students integrated very well with the Maltese students
and participated in all extra-curricular activities organised
by the Institute. They visited Xrobb l-Għaġin (Nature Trust
Building) where they were given a presentation on the highly
energy efficient building structural features and its history
by Dr. R. P. Borg. Prof. C. Spiteri Staines delivered a lecture
on renewables including three different types of photovoltaic
systems, namely mono-crystalline, poly-crystalline and thin-film,
as well as the horizontal axis and vertical axis wind turbines.
The students also visited the QP Management Company which
provides architectural, engineering, management and technical
construction services for building projects.
This study programme at MCAST was a positive, enriching
experience for these students as it provided them with knowledge
and skills on Construction Engineering, facilitated their English
communication skills, their technical vocabulary as well as their
intercultural awareness skills.
47
MCAST RECEIVES
€20,000 WORTH OF
WELDING EQUIPMENT
From left: Ms Sharon Cassar Borg, Director Bluhull, Mr Victor Satariano, MCAST Vice-President Board of Governors, Mr Cachia, MCAST Principal and CEO, Mr Jonathan Borg, Managing Director, Bluhull, Hon.
Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and Employment, Mr John Vella, Director Institute of Engineering and Transport – Building and Construction Engineering and Ing Louis Aquilina, Director Partnerships Office
MCAST received the donation of €20,000 worth of welding
equipment from Bluhull Group to the Institute of Engineering and
Transport – Building and Construction Engineering in Naxxar
Campus. This significant donation will help equip further the
welding training workshops at MCAST students and theirfore
reinforce practical training in preparation for Industry.
Bluhull operates in the Oil and Gas industry. Its founders have
over twenty five years of valued reputation and experience in the
industry with direct involvement on board drilling installations and
marine vessels, project management and personnel management.
Bluhull provides Manpower Services, Marine/Oilfield Services as
well as Total Product Solutions.
The donation of equipment is in line with Bluhull Group’s belief
48
that appropriately trained Maltese technical personnel can have
access to rewarding job opportunities in the Oil and Gas industry.
This donation took place in the Welding Workshops of the
Institute of Building and Construction Engineering in the
presence of the Hon. Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and
Employment, Mr Victor Satariano, Vice-President MCAST Board
of Governors, Mr Stephen Cachia, MCAST Principal and CEO,
Ing Louis Aquilina, Director Partnerships Office, Mr John Vella,
Institute Director, Mr Jonathan Borg, Managing Director Bluhull,
and Ms Sharon Cassar Borg, Director Bluhull, on Friday 6th
February 2015.
This donation opens up new areas of collaboration between the
MCAST and Bluhull.
Dr Peter Gatt
MCAST PARTICIPATES
IN WORKSHOP ON
SHALLOW GAS
RESOURCES
Dr Peter Gatt, MCAST Senior Lecturer, formed part of the prestigious technical committee of the
European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) workshop on shallow anomalies.
The committee included oil and gas explorationists from Shell and Statoil and academics
from the Universities of Oxford and Bergen. Dr Gatt presented the peer-reviewed paper ‘Fluid
migration conduits systems in carbonate platforms: Meso-Cenozoic Malta Platform’ and
published the document ‘Field Guide to the Cenozoic Platform Carbonates and Salt Tectonics of
the Maltese Islands’. Shallow gas may become an important energy resource in the future and
its availability in the Maltese continental shelf is being further researched by Dr Gatt.
In 2012, Dr Gatt also published with Prof. Jon Gluyas, former chairman BGS and Head
of Earth Sciences Department, University of Durham, UK, the paper ‘Climatic controls on
Facies in Palaeogene Mediterranean subtropical carbonate platforms’ in the academic
journal Petroleum Geoscience which publishes papers on the science, engineering
and technology of the rock-related petroleum disciplines, focusing on multidisciplinary
studies. This study on the relationship between limestone sediments and changing
climate won Dr Gatt a prestigious research award from the oil company BP.
49
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
CONTENT LANGUAGE
INTEGRATED LEARNING
CONFERENCE
The participants
Between the 16 and 20 March 2015, MCAST hosted a conference on
Content Language Integrated Learning (CLIC). Participants from over
six European countries met to discuss the ongoing EU Pools3 Project
which includes CLIL4U. The Conference was held at the Institute of
Applied Sciences – Applied Science, MCAST Main Campus.
The Institute is coordinating this project and has created and edited
several laboratory-based vocational scenarios that incorporate the
CLIL teaching methodology.
CLIL puts language learning into the content of the subject and
aligns perfectly with the newly adopted MCAST courses that embed
the Key Skills into the vocational classroom. The CLIL method is
widely used among other European nations who, like Malta, have
issues with learners who use a mother tongue, such as Maltese, but
need support to learn and use another language, like English.
MCAST is a fine example of a diverse College and demonstrates
the need to integrate language learning into the vocational setting.
CLIL is a valuable tool for our lecturers and learners. CLIL was
set up in the early 90s to meet the rising demand for a workforce
that has greater knowledge and can travel to work within the EU.
Knowledge of a common language is essential to being understood
and producing a talented workforce.
During this week-long meeting representatives from Cyprus, the
Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Malta discussed the
various scenarios that are being worked on and added to the CLIL
website. These are available for free to all teachers worldwide.
The CLIL website connects mulitdict.com, a dictionary tool that
50
can translate words in any text to hundreds of different languages
to help learners and teachers. Also, there is a tool that allows
whole websites to be translated into hundreds of languages to help
learners’ access information from the web more easily. At a later
stage a CLIL course will be designed to help educators learn how to
create a CLIL lesson plan based on the 5C’s, critical thinking skills
and scaffolding. A lesson plan can also be generated and added
to the CLIL databank to registered users and make it available to
others with these tools adapted to it.
Prior to the conference, attendees were required to complete the first
6 modules of a pre-course designed by ETI Malta to help educators
become familiar with the CLIL teaching methodology. This course
was completed and discussed during the conference. It will be
available shortly for educators to train staff online. It also provides
face-to-face session times to allow for feedback. All participants
felt the great value of this course and look forward to delivering it
to their colleagues at their colleges and schools. The MCAST team
is currently looking into ways to provide this training to colleagues
interested in this methodology. Activities were prepared by Mr John
Sciberras, Project Leader of the MCAST team.
The MCAST team members working on the project are Joseph
Bonello, Alfred Galea, Luana Chetcuti, from the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Ingrid O’Brien and
Julie Galea from the Learning Support Unit. Members have
participated in various activities which include translation of the
CLIL Course Guidebook available online, creating, translating and
editing scenarios, dissemination of CLIL to educators at MCAST,
and writing articles for the online newsletter.
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TRANSPORT - ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
Students following the Foundation Course in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
EDUCATIONAL
VISITS
Students following the Foundation Course in Electrical and Electronics
Engineering had the opportunity to participate in a number of
educational visits and activities.
The visits were aimed at exposing students to existing technologies
available in industry and thus appreciate the content covered in their
course. They visited the new Parliament Building in Valletta where the
electrical installation system was viewed and explained, Smart City Malta
where they learned about the application of green energy technology, as
well as Prominent Fluid Control in Bulebel and Trelleborg in Ħal Far.
Students also had the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities
that foster their personal development. These included a seminar on
employment conditions at the GWU Headquarters, team building activities
organised by students themselves at Ta’ Qali National Park and a
workshop at Teatru Rjal, Valletta.
At Smart City Malta
51
BMIT OFFERS INTERNSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES
TO MCAST STUDENTS
MCAST Electrical and Electronics Engineering students have been
given the opportunity to work at Malta’s largest data centre, cloud
and managed services operator, BMIT.
This was announced during a familiarisation visit by MCAST students
at BMIT during which Mr. Dione Vella, BMIT Chief Officer Customer
Experience, explained the main functions of the data centre.
Mr. Kenny Muscat, Acting Director at the MCAST Institute of
Engineering and Transport – Electrical and Electronics Engineering
thanked BMIT for the opportunity being presented to the students.
“It is important for our students to witness first hand not only the data
centre but also the various professionals working within it. This will
further help in better understanding the industry, its services and
expectations,” said Mr. Muscat.
VISIT TO
MALTA AIR
TRAFFIC
SERVICES
Students following the MCAST Advanced Diploma in
Electronics (Computer) Engineering visited the Malta Air Traffic
Services Ltd in Luqa. During the visit the students had the
opportunity to view various technologies including the new
ones currently being commissioned, as well as to look closely
at the operations of the Malta Air Space Control and the Malta
International Airport run-way.
52
Malta Air Traffic Services Ltd (MATS) is the Air Navigation Service Provider
for Malta. MATS provides a variety of services primarily aimed at ensuring
that aircraft flying in the Malta Flight Information Region (FIR) are safely
separated in accordance with international civil aviation regulations. Safety
is therefore the first and foremost priority but MATS also aims to provide its
services in an efficient and cost-effective way. In 2010 the Air Traffic Control
Centre handled over 94,000 aircraft movements.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
STUDENTS LAUNCH THEIR
PROTOTYPE FSAE RACING CAR
On Tuesday 9 June 2015, a group of around twenty students from
the Institute of Engineering and Transport – Mechanical Engineering
students officially launched their team and the prototype open-wheel
formula SAE race car designed and built from scratch by the members
themselves. This student group bearing the name ‘Skuderija Dinamika’
forms a multidisciplinary team with the objectives being to design and
build a single-seater race car for a world-wide professional engineering
competition organised by SAE International (Society of Automotive
Engineers). In September 2016, this MCAST team of students will be
then joining several other groups from different colleges and universities
around the globe to professionally present and race their car in Parma
(Italy). The MCAST team, guided by Senior Lecturer Ing. Claire Seguna,
has been working very hard to present the prototype.
The highlight of this project is that student members participating in
this new challenge hail from various levels and course specialisations/
routes offered by the Institute of Engineering and Transport –
Mechanical Engineering, namely Undergraduate Degree, Higher
National Diploma and Extended Diploma. This project offers each
team member numerous opportunities to develop oneself. It will
also promote smart problem solving by allowing the students to
integrate aspects of the theoretical modules and analytical solution
generation that they cover during their lectures. One cannot ignore
the fact that this project will present the students with an opportunity
to carry out professional R&D given that the team has to abide with
SAE standards and stringent engineering regulations. Furthermore,
the students will be indirectly acquiring training in soft skills, such
as leadership, public relations and communication, resource
management, procurement, team-work and time-management, which
are essential in the professional engineering world.
This is obviously easier said than done as the project involves
considerable research design aspects which all require major
financial contribution. The team has estimated the two-year project
costs to reach €40k. Thus, through this event, they are reaching
out to industrial collaborators, organisations and business entities
for support (financial and/or goods/services in kind) such that
the students can successfully reach their academic, professional
and vocational objectives. This project further sustains MCAST’s
mission statement to provide universally accessible vocational and
professional education and training with an international dimension,
responsive to the needs of the individual and the economy as these
students will be contributing to the generation of future professional
vocational engineers and technicians to our island.
The Skuderija Dinamika team would like to thank its sponsors, who
have made this project possible through their support.
Main Sponsors: MCAST, Ministry for Education and Employment,
MCAST Gateway to Industry, Transport Malta, Coleiro Supplies
Limited and MelitaMarine.
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TRANSPORT - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
53
INSTITUTE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
INFORMATION AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
TAP YOURSELF ON
THE SHOULDER
STUDENT2STUDENT PROGRAMME:
TRAINING COURSE IN BASIC HELPING SKILLS
By Ahmed Ali Ibrahim, Joseph-Lee Cefai
A student-led peer support group is to be launched in the coming
weeks. Student peer supporters will be available on campus as an
informal support for anyone in need on any matter concerned. Here
is the journey of how these students came to be.
‘My name is Ahmed Ali Ibrahim. I am from Chad. I am a student
at the Institute of Information and Communication Technology
(IICT), MCAST. I am currently studying at level 4.’ – Ahmed
‘My name is Joseph-Lee Cefai. I am reading a degree at level
6 at the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (EEEI),
MCAST.’ – Joseph-Lee
Little did we know that we were to be a part of a handful of
students from several institutes on campus, all having different
backgrounds, different characters, and after all different reasons
why they chose a training course in helping skills.
‘When I started school in 2011 I was doing well in my course.
I managed to attend all the classes and submit all the
assignments on time. Unfortunately, as the course progressed to
a higher level, I could not pursue it as I used to and sought help.
Luckily, I came across this training course where I received more
help and support than what I had initially hoped for.’ – Ahmed
‘About a year ago, I joined the MCAST Engineering Student
Organisation (MESO). This was the first time I became involved
in an administrative post of any sort. Not quite my normal routine
of college life, bringing with it its own challenges. But, I believe in
always improving myself at what I do, in this case for instance,
improving my helping skills and group skills.’ – Joseph-Lee
The MCAST Counselling Unit initiated this training course under the
programme Student2Student. Here students train in helping skills,
are made available as informal helpers to other students, and are
supervised in doing so. Hence, the success of the whole programme
revolves around step number one, the training course itself.
54
But what are helping skills? Well, first of all, an individual may
seek help: so to better manage a problem; or, so to better
themselves at what they do (Egan, 2013, pp. 5-6). A trained
helper has to know this (Egan, 2013, p. 9). This training course
teaches the helping skills required.
One helping skill is self-understanding (Chang, Scott, & Decker,
2012, p. 4). One is to practise in achieving self-understanding
and self-awareness, where self-awareness can be described as
one’s realisation of one’s own biased values, attitudes and beliefs
(Bennett-Levy, 2006; Williams, Hurley, O’Brien, & DeGregorio, 2013,
as cited in Chang, et al., 2012, p. 4).
‘Although I thought I knew myself, I still had a lot of awareness
that I needed to tap into and this course made me more aware of
it. I succeeded in having a clearer picture of my personality and
how I was perceived by other people.’ – Ahmed
‘One exercise tackled during training was to individually
select from a crowd of people whom we would help survive
off a sinking ship. It is not my response to this challenge that
baffled me, but the fact that my response was different from
others’. It helped me realise that one has to hold back oneself
so as not to be biased and influence the other with one’s own
beliefs.’ – Joseph-Lee
Genuineness, empathy and acceptance are another three helping
skills. As a helper, one uses empathy in order to build a real
relationship with a student (Pedersen, Crethar, & Carlson, 2008,
cited in Egan, 2013, p. 50), by being genuine (Gelso, 2009, as cited
in Egan, 2013, p. 47), and showing respect by accepting his or her
beliefs (Rogers, 1951 as cited in Kottler, & Brew, 2003, p. 14).
INSTITUTE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES - INFORMATION AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
comprehend all the material properly. Everyone participated willingly,
making the experience captivating. And again, the lunch prepared
for us was generous. A menu of appetizers, pasta with sea food, and
fish – an inspiring healthy meal.
‘The sessions included theory, group work and role-plays which
were very interesting for everybody to participate in. Not only I
enjoy the sessions but I also had a really good time which I will
be remember forever!’ – Ahmed
‘I looked forward to every session from the day’s start, especially
the seminar. All the sessions had a balance of theory and group
interactions. Isabel and Jacqueline really homed in on making the
course engaging and enjoyable, while the group’s input made it
adventurous, amusing and at times moving.’ – Joseph-Lee
‘During the course I learnt how to communicate effectively and
make use of empathy. Beside these, I also improved my skills,
being: genuineness, honesty, openness, positivity, and valuing the
peer as a unique person in a non-judgmental attitude.’ – Ahmed
‘During group work we practised and discussed the proficiency
at which the skills were portrayed. Thus, I felt more confident to
express empathy and convey understanding even if the peer’s
difficulty is foreign to me.’ – Joseph-Lee
The helping skills mentioned above are only a few of what was
taught during this course. Yet, we believe that this would not have
been possible was it not for the individuals involved.
For organising and conducting the sessions, we owe an appreciation
to Isabel Camilleri – Counsellor at MCAST, and Jacqueline Micallef –
Student Adviser at MCAST. Their dedication resulted in a build-up of
reinforcing topics throughout the sessions. The sessions themselves
were planned in a way to include a balance of theory, group work,
break-time, and closing-time. We must not forget to mention that
both Isabel and Jacqueline made sure to provide us with as many
refreshments and beverages to re-enact The Last Supper.
But, after all, it all rested on the student group itself. Defining
confidentiality as the first group policy early on, helped to foster a
transparent group relationship based firmly on communication. Our
contribution present each session sustained throughout the course,
together with a steady fast commitment.
Our best experience together was the day seminar at the Dominican
Friars’ retreat house in Mellieha. This was an ideal way to finish the
last topics of the course at a pace that was not overwhelming and to
On behalf of the team, we would like to express our gratitude to
MCAST and especially to the MCAST Counselling Unit for creating
this opportunity. We would like to continue the Student2Student
programme by volunteering and making ourselves available as peersupporters on campus.
‘Having said all of the above, I believe that there were more
information and help provided to me than I was expecting and I
am really thankful to the counsellors who led me to acquire the
tools that I need to help myself as well as to volunteer to help
others as a peer supporter.’ – Ahmed
‘I was determined to improve myself. I managed to become more
self-aware, more empathetic, and a better listener. I am proud of
being part of a new group, who helped me in realising that I am
trustworthy and capable. I would like to welcome anyone wanting to
approach us, and I recommend the course to anyone with a desire
to better themselves or wanting to help others.’ – Joseph-Lee
College life is not plain sailing for everyone. How about putting your
own unique life experiences to good use by helping other students?
REFERENCES
Chang, V. N., Scott, S., & Decker, C. (2012). Developing Helping
Skills: A Step by Step Approach to Competency. Boston, MA:
Cengage Learning.
Egan, G. (2013). The Skilled Helper: A Problem-Management and
Opportunity-Development Approach to Helping (10th ed.). Belmont,
CA: Cengage Learning.
Kottler, J. A., & Brew, L. (2003). One Life at a Time: Helping Skills
and Interventions. New York, NY: Routledge.
INSTITUTE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES - INFORMATION AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
55
SUCCESSFUL
CHARITHON
League of Legends
Plant sale
The annual Charity Marathon organised by the Institute of
Community Services was held on 9 and 10 March 2015. The
beneficiaries for this year’s fund-raising event were Richmond
Foundation, a non-profit organisation working in the area of
mental health in the community, and Dar Frate Jacoba, an
innovative project offering a home for youngsters hailing from
difficult social backgrounds.
The wide array of activities making up the Charithon included
hairdressing and beauty treatments such as blow dries and
facials, sale of plants, food and drink stalls, a LAN party
organised in conjunction with the Institute of Information and
Communication Technology, a pie-in-the-face competition, a night
walk from Għargħur to MCAST Paola, a car wash, and various
sports activities such as street football.
56
Pie-in-the-face competition
The Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and
Sport, the Hon. Chris Agius, visited this event at the Paola Main
Campus. He was accompanied by Mr Stephen Cachia, MCAST
Principal and CEO, as well as Dr Tatjana Chircop, Director Institute
of Community Services, and Ms Claire Flores, Deputy Director
Institute of Community Services.
These activities became a reality through the sheer dedication and
hard work of both staff and students who offered their time and
energy and worked together with the aim of raising funds for the
beneficiaries by rendering worthwhile products and services to the
general public, MCAST staff and students.
A big “Well Done!” to all participants as we invite you for next year’s
Charithon which promises to be even bigger and better.
INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
MCAST STUDENTS
AWARDED DURING
THE MALTA
ROBOTICS OLYMPIAD
MCAST, together with the Department of eLearning and the
Department of Curriculum within the Ministry of Education and
Employment, once again organised the Malta Robotics Olympiad
(MRO). This year’s edition was held on Wednesday 22 April 2015 at
the Cottonera Sports Complex.
The MCAST ICT team was composed of five students namely, Isaac
Hili, Nathaniel Cutajar, Kurt Montanaro, Jean Michel Ellul and Joseph
Farrugia. Together they came up with a TrackR-Bot. This concept will
allow the tracking of an object with the use of light sensors, to capture a
certain colour and make use of face recognition to track a face.
The competition was tough but the students managed to achieve
second place and were awarded medals and certificates.
INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNCATION TECHNOLOGY
57
MCAST STUDENTS DELIVER
TECHNICAL MULTIMEDIA
TO CARITAS
Students at the Institute of Information and Communication
Technology are working closely with Caritas Malta to develop,
implement and deliver technical multimedia content to the
community. The first project was successfully delivered by three
MCAST lecturers namely Mr Silvio Nocilla, Mr Mark Scicluna and Mr
Jean Paul Tabone, who created the video and image production of
the first Caritas event entitled ‘L-Edukazzjoni fejn qed twassalna?’.
This event focused on the issues faced by the Maltese
MCAST STUDENT DELIVERS
INVENTORY SYSTEM FOR
INSTITUTE OF
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Student Stephen Zammit, together with Mr Alan Gatt, one of
MCAST ICT lecturers, developed an inventory database for
the MCAST Institute of Community Services. This system will
keep track of the stock together with prices and orders for the
hairdressing salon products. The system will also work with a
barcode scanner for easy record of stock.
58
educational system. Qualified speakers including Prof. Carm
Borg, Dr Nadia Vassallo, President Emeritus Dr George Abela
and Rev. Fr Hilary Tagliaferro participated in the discussion. The
event was mentored by Dr Andrew Azzopardi and was open to
students, parents and educators.
Upcoming projects include the delivery of a new website for Caritas
Malta as well as interactive media content for their focus group in the
coming days and weeks.
PINGFIN 6
INTERNATIONAL
WORKSHOP
AT THE IICT INSTITUTE
The Institute of Information and Communication
Technology was invited to participate for the first
time in PingFIN 6, an International Workshop dealing
with the handling of financial SEPA payments (using
Oracle SQL). This year the MCAST IICT hosted the
event which was held during March 2015.
MCAST CHAPLAINCY
WEBSITE
Three ICT students, Warren Aquilina, Julian Borg and Malcolm
Tabone, delivered a website for the MCAST Chaplaincy
which now can be accessed via the following link: www.
mcastchaplaincy.com. The website was implemented by
students who are in their Level 4 Extended Diploma and who
gave their utmost to make sure that the MCAST Chaplain
was satisfied with the outcome. This project was supported
by Mr Jean Paul Tabone, MCAST IICT lecturer and Institute
Coordinator for Student Support, who made sure that the
project was delivered on time and as expected by Fr Antoine.
As a sense of gratitude, the three students were given a
certificate of appreciation signed by the Instutute director Mr
Conrad Vassallo, together with a €5 voucher from PC zone and
a book on Don Bosco.
From left: Mr Jean Paul Tabone, MCAST lecturer and Institute Co-ordinator for Student
Support, Warren Aquilina, Julian Borg and Malcolm Tabone with Mr Conrad Vassallo Acting
Director, ICT Institute
59
TEAM BUILDING
EVENT
On 9 February 2015 IICT lecturers and members of the
administration staff participated in a team building event held at Dar
il-Ħanin Samaritan, St. Venera.
Members of staff participated in several icebreaking activities as well
as teambuilding workshops that focused on the current challenges
faced by the lecturing and administration staff at the Institute.
This event served to help members of staff to trust in each other and
each other’s abilities, and also helped increase staff motivation.
60
WEBSITE FOR
AGARA
FOUNDATION
Kevin Borg receiving certificate from Mr Conrad Vassallo, Acting Director
MCAST ICT student Kevin Borg created a website for the Agara
Foundation which now can be accessed via the following link:
agarafoundation.org. Agara Foundation is a non-profit organisation, and
its aim is to walk together with different communities and individuals all
over the world to empower them in their respective environments.
This project was supported by Mr Jean Paul Tabone, MCAST IICT
lecturer and Institute Co-ordinator for Student Support, who made
sure that the project was delivered on time and as expected by
Agara Foundation.
61
MCAST ICT STUDENT DELIVERS WEBSITE
FOR A LOCAL BAND CLUB
From left: Jean Paul Tabone, Senior Lecturer and Student Support Services Coordinator, Darren Agius, Assistant Cashier, 12th May Band
and Social Club, Julian Borg, ICT Student, and Conrad Vassallo, Acting Director Institute of Information and Communication Technology
MCAST ICT Level 4 student Julian Borg reading an Extended Diploma
in IT developed a website for the 12th May Band and Social Club. The
site can be viewed via the following link: www.12thmay.com. This is the
7th project which was successfully delivered by MCAST students during
this academic year for non-government organisations and the Maltese
society. We are proud to be of such service to our local communities.
MCAST ICT STUDENT
DELIVERS WEBSITE
FOR LOCAL
VETERINARY
CLINIC
Andrè Grech, an MCAST ICT student
reading for an Extended Diploma in Software
Development, delivered a website for Pets
and Vets Veterinary Clinic in Naxxar.
62
Photo from left: Jean Paul Tabone - IICT Senior Lecturer and Student Support
Services Coordinator, Daria Abela - IICT Assistant Lecturer, Victoria Bondin Owner Pets and Vets, Andrè Grech - IICT student, and Conrad Vassallo - IICT
Acting Director.
LIBRARY AND LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE
TWO ESF PROJECTS
FOR THE MCAST LIBRARY
Over the last year MCAST was awarded two European Social Fund
(ESF) projects:
1
2
ESF 1.130 – ‘Empowering people for more jobs and a better
quality of life’. This was aimed at the design of new courses
at Levels 5 and 6 within the following Institutes: Agribusiness,
Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Art and Design and
Building and Construction Engineering.
ESF 3.102 – ‘Inclusion for Employment’. This was aimed at
the improvement of courses at Levels 1 to 3 within all ten
MCAST Institutes.
A substantial sum from these two projects was allocated to purchase
library books as a means for lecturers to design and deliver new
courses in the initial phase of the projects and subsequently
for students to refer to them for study, assignment and projects
purposes. In all around 2,000 books will have been purchased in
various areas of studies of which the following are new subjects:
• Agri-tourism and Eco-tourism (management and marketing);
• Eco-friendly Agriculture;
• Culinary Specialities (production, promotion and retail);
• Internet and Digital Marketing Communications;
• Design and Analysis of Marketing and Customer Care through
use of IT;
• Use of Social Media and Web Marketing;
• Human Resource Management in the Hospitality Industry;
• Natura 2000 Conservation Sites Management;
• Creative Mobile Technologies;
• Game Graphics and Visual Design;
• Restoration of Wooden Artefacts;
• Sustainable Energy use in Buildings.
Books started arriving in mid-April and all will be shelved and ready
for use by September 2015.
In the meantime one can check our on-line catalogue at
www.mcast.edu.mt/MainMenu/Library.aspx checking out the April,
May, June, July 2015 recent additions pages.
MCAST LIBRARY RECEIVES
EXCELLENCE IN
ACADEMIC RESEARCH/
LIBRARIANSHIP AWARD
The Malta Library and Information Association (MaLIA) presented
Mr Laurence Zerafa, MCAST Librarian, with an Excellence
in Academic/Research Librarianship Award. With this award
the MCAST Library is being recognized for its outstanding
contribution to developing and enriching both academic and
research librarianship in Malta. The award, a glass trophy, will be
kept in the Librarian’s office.
Photo from left: Mr. Mark Camilleri, Chairman MaLIA and Mr Laurence Zerafa, MCAST Librarian
63
LIBRARIES
EVOLVING
by Victor Vella, Assistant Librarian
It is not the first time that people ask about the future of libraries
or if libraries will even have a future at all. It has been the subject
of many seminars, lectures and talks around the world, and even
in Malta. The Malta Library and Information Association (MaLIA
http://www.malia-malta.org/) organized a one-day conference
about the future of Maltese libraries. People still ask whether
libraries are on their way out or whether other means of new
technology will bring a natural end to the traditional libraries. If
we had to ask people who are currently not lecturers or students
when was the last time they visited a library, most probably many
will go back to their last years when they were at school, College
or University.
If I had to answer these concerns, I would say that libraries are
evolving, catching up with modern technologies and doing their
best to change and survive.
At present I work at the MCAST Library and Learning Resource
Centre and I am also a Council member of MaLIA, besides having
several contacts with different libraries over the past years. The
libraries in which I work or have worked, are busier than ever!
The services we offer are changing; nonetheless the demand for
library resources is still strong. It is not unusual to see a good
number of books, periodicals, DVDs and CDs being returned to
the library each day. There are often queues at the circulation
desks too, besides the frequent enquiries about printing services
and helping the students in their search for information. If you
factor all this in with the continual rise in e-Book library users and
all of the other electronic resources that are utilized, then you get
a very different picture of libraries.
So why do people think libraries are dying? Is it because people
think the printed books are dying? Not enough people read
anymore and almost everything is now available virtually, so the
library is a dinosaur, right? There are people who still need and
prefer paper books and resources for various reasons. However,
the virtual kingdom is slowly taking over and the libraries are
heavily involved in that too. Many libraries have a long list of
electronic databases, apart from the free internet that you can
consult for anything from health issues, to do-it-yourself guidance,
64
on-line tutorials and many more. If you want to research using
e-Books, then the library is a great place to go, especially when
they are priced or one does not have the equipment or internet
connection to access them. The MCAST Library is now considering
the introduction of an e-Book collection. But if you simply want
to come in to get advice on how to research a particular topic, or
there to read an article from a magazine or in a group working and
enjoying some free time with a film, then you can do that too.
However, the Library is not only a storage facility for books,
magazines and articles, both physically and virtually. The MCAST
Library is also active because it offers more than that. It is a place
for reading and studying, group projects, getting help on how
to research, with a good number of PCs and printers available
and much more. It is also a place where people can be inspired
to improve their lives, or to build on existing knowledge. For
instance, you can register for a programme in a library to help you
learn computer skills, improve your English and Maltese, learn
study skills or obtain help with writing your assignment. You can
get this assistance through the Learning Support Unit (LSU: www.
mcast.edu.mt/MainMenu/Library/AboutUs/LearningSupportUnit.
aspx) which operates from within the Main Library in Paola.
So are libraries really dying? No, they are changing. Are
books dying? No, they are changing too. To say that libraries
are dying is to say that information is dying. Libraries are not
warehouses for books, but rather they are places of learning.
As long as people have a drive to learn, libraries will exist.
Libraries just need to evolve with the community and get away
from relying on nostalgia to stay afloat. But if nostalgia is what
you are looking for, then the library still has many services that
will appeal to you too – the difference now is that the library
does not simply exist to fulfill its past.
In the modern world a good number of careers have evolved without
being lost. Let us take a few examples: the career of a desktop
publisher has evolved to Graphic Designer. Librarians have been
with us for thousands of years, starting with papyrus, and will remain
for much more years to come. It is only the library system which is
evolving, and thus even the work of the librarian must evolve too.
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR
FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
THE MALTA
QUALIFICATIONS
FRAMEWORK
The Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) assists in making the
Maltese qualifications system easier to understand and review, and
more transparent at a national and international level. The Malta
Qualifications Framework is also a referencing tool that helps to
describe and compare both national and foreign qualifications to
promote quality, transparency and mobility of qualifications in all types
of education. The 8 reference levels make it easier to understand what
a learner with a qualification related to the MQF knows, understands
and is able to do. The MQF is mainly referenced to the European
Qualifications Framework (EQF) as well as to other non-European
qualifications frameworks.
The National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) is
the competent authority in Malta to recognise qualifications against the
Malta Qualifications Framework. Through its Qualifications Recognition
and Information Centre (QRIC), NCFHE deals with the recognition and
comparability of both academic and vocational qualifications. QRIC is
also the local official centre of the ENIC-NARIC Network which provides
updated information on the recognition of international qualifications
across EU member states.
A recognition statement for qualification is generally required for:
pursuing further studies, applying for a promotion, applying for a
qualification allowance, applying for a tax rebate, acquiring a single
permit/visa/citizenship with ETC, applying for funding under the Malta
Enterprise ‘Get Qualified Scheme’, applying for a scholarship scheme,
applying for a stipend, holding interviews with prospective employees.
Certificates obtained from the University of Malta, MCAST and ITS do
NOT require a recognition statement since they are considered as selfaccrediting and thus are automatically recognised. For qualifications
related to dance, drama and music as well as qualifications awarded
by other accredited Universities and institutions refer to the lists
available on the NCFHE website. For other qualifications which are not
listed, it is important to fill in the Application Form for the Assessment
of a Qualification and along with the supporting documents bring
this personally to the QRIC office. Persons interested in enrolling in
a new course are also strongly encouraged to check whether this is
recognised BEFORE starting the course by filling in the Application
Form for the Assessment of Prospective Qualifications. For the lists,
application forms and the supporting documents required visit the QRIC
page on www.ncfhe.org.mt.
CONTACT DETAILS AND OPENING HOURS OF QRIC
National Commission for
Further and Higher Education
Alamein Road, Pembroke
T: +356 2381 0000
E: [email protected]
W: www.ncfhe.org.mt
Winter Schedule
1st October - 15th June
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
9:00am-12:00pm and
2:00pm-4:00pm
Summer Schedule
16th June - 30th September
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
9:00am-12:00pm
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
65
66
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
JF De Chambray Street, Għajnsielem, Gozo
2015

norma jaen

Transcription

Similar documents

A Taste of Malta - Poetry, Song and Food

Institute of Agribusiness

Architecture of the Maltese Islands

INTERVIEW WITH DR SILVIO DE BONO PRESIDENT OF

Malta Malta

Sports and Music Tours

W assup Traveltrade End of summer…. but not in Malta

C:\EDITPUBS\MAG\20100327\001\MAIN\PAGE018.QXD (Page 1)

HF Radar System-IOI-Malta Operational Centre