Introducing VET to Secondary School studentsA MEDE project in collaboration with MCAST, St. Benedict College & Local industry

On Tuesday 31 January 2017 MCAST together with St. Benedict College launched the This project presents the concept of an MCAST Partner School Project which will see thethrough which MCAST will collaborate with St. Benedict College will partner with MCAST to provisionde of new VET programmes to secondary school students in Engineering and/or IT.

To date VET programmes in secondary schools lead only to SEC certification. This initiative will introduce more VET modules upon completion of which, successful students will achieve a lLevel 3 Diploma from MCAST before leaving compulsory education. It is intended that eventually this model will spread on a national level.

The ultimate aim of this initiative is to strengthen the provision of VET in secondary schools through the achievement of the VET diploma at an earlier age at secondary level. This will prepare students to continue studying VET at higher levels at MCAST or to enter the world of employment equipped with the required skills. outlined in the New Skills Agenda 2020.

Local industry are important stakeholders in this project since feedback from industry is critical to help reduce the gap between educational provision and the real world of employment.

Subject teachers in Vocational IT and Vocational Engineering together with MCAST tutors will adapt and develop Diploma content modules suitable for secondary schoolsecondary school students. Module Content will include also those skills and knowledge highlighted and discussed with the industry.

Local industry will kindly make available human and physical resources so that active learning will take place on the place of work when necessary.

It is envisaged that as of 2020 St Benedict College will produce a yearly group of around 25 students in IT and Engineering respectively accredited with a full diploma at level 3 at the end of secondary school cycle.

Upon completion of the course, students will have the possibility to continue studying VET at advanced level 4 diploma at MCAST or to enter the world of employment equipped with the necessary skills. outlined in the New Skills Agenda 2020.