Education and training policy

Abstract

The Maltese National Vocational Education and Training policy assumes that post-compulsory VET should be geared towards skill acquisition, to build a country’s human capital and to impart useful knowledge to students. The assumption is also that VET should target disadvantaged groups and students with different educational needs; those less academically inclined, and those at risk of dropping out of school. The constant reference to employer involvement, and of economic considerations mirror the goals set out in EU documents. Social inclusion is assumed to be achieved through investing in Human Capital. However, one aspect of the policy that could be construed as actively promoting social justice is the transformation of the main state post-compulsory vocational college, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), into a comprehensive institution, offering a seamless path from FE to HE. Hurdles to this vision are discussed, including the negative public perceptions of non-traditional paths to HE and the risk of MCAST focusing on higher-status courses, at the expense of supporting students from lower levels to ‘make the crossing’ to higher levels. The jury is also still out on whether the comprehensivisation of MCAST will spread equity and social cohesion, and strengthen society through cooperation, participation in the democratic life of a country and empower people to participate effectively in society, including, but not exclusively in the economy.