A complex of workshops was inaugurated earlier toady at the MCAST centre in Xewkija, Gozo, by the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono. Inaugurated works included the construction of a complex incorporating two new workshops which were also furnished with modern equipment relating to the teaching and appropriate training in electrical installation as well as welding and fabrication. Another workshop was refurbished in order that it may be used during mechanical engineering training. This will allow for Gozitan students to be adequately trained in accordance with present labour market demands in these areas, in order to improve their employability prospects on completion of courses held at this centre.

This project required an investment of €396,000 through the Structural Fund Programm for Malta 2004-2006, specifically through the European Regional Development Fund. The Government of Malta financed 25% of the total cost of this project.

Minister Debono described the project as another development of the services offered by MCAST in Gozo. This due to the fact that, after the opening of the first MCAST centre in Xaghra, the services offered by this college increased through other courses and the opening of another centre in Xewkija. Minister Debono explained how since 2002 the number of courses offered almost doubled while from 65 students at that time 230 students attend for twelve courses being currently held at the two centres. This clearly demonstrates the success of the initiative taken for MCAST to start operating also in Gozo, which was surely instrumental in more Gozitan students continuing with their education and training after completing secondary education. This helps them to attain better employability prospects based on their abilities according to Government’s educational policy which focuses on an inclusive education in order that all may succeed. Minister Debono also explained how Gozo not only benefitted from 10% of funds allocated by the European Union for Malta, but also gained through other projects financed through Eutropean funds on a national scale.

The Director of MCAST centre in Gozo, Mr Godwin Grech, explained how these new facilities represent better quality with regards to educational infrastructure and equipment used by MCAST in Gozo. He also mentioned how other projects that were submitted for financing through the second programming period 2007-2013, have been approved. Around €133,000 will be used for the procurement of new equipment for the mecahnical engineering machine shop as well as the wood- working workshop. The acquisition of new computers and other ancillary equipment to be mainly used during information technology lessons as well as new courses relating to Call Centre Training and a General Science laboratory are also being projected. Mr Grech also said that in line with the devlopment of the Master Development Plan for the building of a new campus at MCAST in Corradino, it is also envisaged that a masterplan on a minor scale will be implemented in Gozo. This will allow for adequate plans to amalgamate all MCAST facilities in one centre in order to ensure appropriate vocational training for today’s times.

Present for the inauguration were Mr Paul Attard, President of the Board of Governors, Professor Maurice Grech, Principal, and Mr Frederick Fearne, Director of Project.