First MCAST engineering graduates handed warrants after years-long saga

Two engineering graduates at MCAST have been awarded an engineering warrant for the first time after a years-long saga over the course accreditation.

They were part of a cohort of 61 engineers who were awarded their warrant on Tuesday after completing their studies.

Previously, students that had followed the MCAST engineering course were denied the official warrant to practice the engineering profession in Malta for not holding the necessary qualifications.

MCAST’s engineering courses are not accredited by an agency recognised by the European Network for Accreditation of Engineering Education (ENAEE), but between 2017 and 2022 the college underwent an international evaluation process by ASIIN, an accreditation agency recognised by ENAEE, which concluded that MCAST’s engineering courses meet European standards. However, MCAST never applied for accreditation.

In October, the Engineering Board approved a motion to evaluate warrant applications from MCAST engineering graduates, but this was challenged by the Malta Association of Professional Engineers (MAPE) in court, which requested an injunction. The injunction was eventually rejected.

MCAST principal and chief executive Stephen Vella said during the official warrant ceremony that the this milestone reflecys years of structured development, quality assurance and sustained collaboration with national and international stakeholders.

“It confirms the standing of MCAST’s engineering programmes and the ability of our graduates to meet professional standards. Industry has long recognised the value of our graduates, who today play leading roles across manufacturing, research, technology and beyond,” he said.

Stephen Sammut, the director of the Institute of Engineering and Transport at MCAST, similarly said that recognising MCAST graduates for warranting is the result of rigorous course design, external evaluation and continuous engagement with the profession.

Noel Camilleri, the chairperson of the Engineering Board, said the board has always worked within the terms of the law and will continue to do so to ensure that the level of the engineering profession remains as high as it is at present.

Transport Minister Chris Bonett, who is the minister responsible for this sector, said the warrants are being awarded to students who truly deserve it. Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia said these 61 engineers will continue to build Malta’s future.