“The voyage from `M.C.A.S.T’ to industry” : a perceived gap analysis of the critical competencies’ evaluate dimensions in the manufacturing technical sector

Abstract

The manufacturing topography is changing as organizations re-organize to become more cost effective and efficient. In light of this, technical professional have to learn new competencies in order to maintain both their employability and their organization competitive. In Malta, MCAST has been trusted with providing this baggage of competencies. This study examines the perceptual gaps of salient evaluative dimensions fo four broad competency domains in this sector: Core Knowledge, Technical/Vocational, Managerial and Soft competencies. 200 technical students at MCAST, 30 instructors and 30 Human Resources personnel are surveyed and comparisons conducted. In general, evaluations are more homogeneous between students and instructors and different from those of HR representatives. While the former groups consider the more technical competencies to be high on the manufacturing agenda, HR representatives think differently. These perceptual gaps are discussed in light of the need for consolidating bridges between MCAST and the Manufacturing industry.