‘Misconceptions’ about manufacturing leaves industry pleading for workers

The "misconceptions" which exist among the upcoming generations are resulting in manufacturing industries "pleading" for a young skilled workforce as enthusiasm among students for manufacturing remains low.

The misconceptions, industry players explained, led to the lack of enthusiasm among students to take on manufacturing courses even though industries today operated with the latest technology and enjoyed top-notch standards.

This employment sector has developed significantly, giving rise to many career opportunities at advanced technical and professional levels.

Young people are of the belief that working with a manufacturing company involves unskilled, repetitive skills and lower salaries.

The truth, according to industry stakeholders, could not be more different: "This growing industry requires many highly-trained technicians and engineers to continue expanding its operations and attracting new investment."

Playmobil, one of the leading manufacturers in Malta, has urged students to take up manufacturing courses at MCAST. The demand for skilled workers is so big, that the management was almost pleading to students to take up the courses.

Reiterating government's commitment in ensuring that all actions are taken to keep the country competitive and attract investment, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo stressed the importance of ensuring the supply of a young skilled workforce.

"There exists the mistaken idea that working in manufacturing belongs to the past and that only students who failed their secondary education take up that work. However, this industry involves high technology and those seeking to work in manufacturing must study as well," Bartolo said.

He highlighted the importance of apprenticeship schemes which do not serve only as experience for the students but also "an investment in their career".

"One of our priorities is to tie employability with education. Education should not only be about training but focus on skills," Bartolo said.

The minister also highlighted the importance of guidance teachers knowing what was going on in the private sector.

Working in tandem with MCAST, Playmobil has offered over 200 apprenticeship schemes over the last 20 years. The company would subsequently offer the job to the students.

Playmobil's chief operations officer Matthias Fauser said a lot of opportunities existed in the sector, even across Europe.

Asked what led to the industry's misconception, Bartolo said for many years, jobs in IT were being pushed as the "El Dorado".

"I believe this has proven to be harmful for Malta as students were being turned away from other sectors. Students were given the impression that their future lay in IT, working at Smart City," Bartolo said.

To tackle this misconception, guidance teachers should step into the world of employment to see for their eyes what working in manufacturing really meant, the minister added.

MCAST will be giving prospective students a final opportunity to apply to join MCAST during the 2013/14 Academic Year which starts in October. Through this call, MCAST is particularly reaching out to individuals who are sitting for O, Int or A level examinations this month. The second call for applications will be held between 23 and 25 September.

Further details are available on www.mcast.edu.mt and MCAST Facebook Page www.facebook.com/MCASTmt. Prospective students may also seek further details and personal career advice by contacting the College's career advisers on 2398 7135/6 or [email protected].