‘Engaging apprentices is an investment for employers in private and public sectors’ – MCAST CEO

Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) Principal and CEO Joachim James Calleja has urged organisations from both the private and public sectors to bring on board more apprentices to increase work-based learning.

His comments came during a visit to the college by Central Bank of Malta Governor Edward Scicluna, who addressed the students of the Institute of Business Management & Commerce (IBMC). Professor Scicluna explained the role of the Central Bank of Malta, both as part of the European System of Central Banks as well as nationally, before also answering a number of questions raised by the audience.

During the visit, Professor Scicluna also opened an exhibition titled “Coinage in Malta – 2,500-year history”, held at the IBMC foyer, and he also presented a commemorative coin to the institute.

Professor Calleja welcomed the Governor to MCAST, stating that Professor Scicluna was Governor of the college when MCAST was set up in 2000.

“He supports work-based learning and engages MCAST students at the Central Bank on a regular basis,” Professor Calleja added.

“It is this direct experience on workplaces that makes MCAST a special place to learn and to work,” he said, before adding that many MCAST students “appreciate the opportunity” to work and study at the Central Bank.

“Engaging apprentices is an investment for employers in the private and the public sectors,” he continued.

At the start of the scholastic year, Professor Calleja had lamented that many students still find themselves without an apprenticeship programme, before proceeding to invite employers to recruit students as apprentices, highlighting that it is an “investment for employers as much as it benefits learners”.

MCAST has been training students for the local industry for over 20 years, with hundreds of graduates annually embarking on their respective career paths. IBMC has over 1,300 students attending full-time courses, and is one of the largest institutes within the college. It offers programmes in management, marketing, accountancy, financial services, and other business-related subjects.