16 - Malta - Educational/vocational guidance, education/employment links

Non-university Tertiary Education

The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology provides a student information service, and a learning support service.

University Tertiary Education

Educational and vocational guidance and counselling

The University’s Students Advisory Services was set up to provide a growing student population with more personalised services. The office integrates both a public relations and an administrative function and provides assistance to students in the following major areas:
  • Practical or personal issues related to career paths and courses of study within the local context;
  • Establishment and maintenance of links with schools particularly those at the post-secondary levels;
  • Assistance to the Registrar with enquiries relating to courses of study and the provision of information; and
  • Advice to prospective students and vocationally related clientele.
The office is also responsible for the Graduates Tracer Study that is published triennially. It collects information about the different courses at the University and collates them in a Course Information CD. These are used as a tool by both the Advisory Office and other guidance offices around the island. The service operates in close liaison with the Counselling Services, the Admissions and Records Office and the other offices of the Registrar.

The university years can be a time of personal discovery and a unique time to work on personal issues. Counselling is provided in order to allow students to make the most of their time at university in preparation for a fulfilling life. Short-term personal counselling is offered on an individual basis and in a confidential setting. Counselling provides students with a chance to understand and change feelings, behaviour and situations that are problematic.

Apart from individual counselling, the Service offers students the opportunity to work on personal issues in a group setting. This is done through the organisation of psychotherapy groups and workshops on specific issues like time management, relationships, procrastination, self improvement, grief and bereavement.

The Service enables students having difficulties with their studies to work through these problems. Students are helped in times of stress, especially before and during examination time and while writing their dissertations. Any university student can consult the Counselling Services that are provided free of charge and all communication is kept confidential.

Education – employment links

Links between the worlds of education and employment are increasingly being developed. Initiatives are taken in a number of faculties to familiarise students with the world of work. These initiatives include actual placements, such as those of student teachers in the Faculty of Education, and industry linked projects in the Faculty of Engineering. Some courses have work experiences as an integral part of the academic course. Courses in the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery have direct work related periods. Students following nursing courses have work experiences in hospitals and / or clinics. A number of faculties organise study visits for students. During the summer vacation students may opt to perform work, sometimes directly related to their studies, in Government departments or entities. On an individual basis, several students look for work experiences related to their academic studies during their University course, again, particularly during their summer vacation, and a number of these students may be contracted to work for the establishments in which they practise after they finish their degree course. Students following University part-time courses are generally already in employment. A number of professions require graduates to have a specified period of work experiences before obtaining a warrant.

The University included the strengthening of links as one of the main goals for its strategic plan 2002 – 2006. The objectives include:

To continue to train professional personnel who, through their intellect, know-how capabilities and initiatives will lead local enterprises to higher level of productivity and material wealth;

Work closely with industry and other training bodies such as the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) and the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) – the employment and training agency to seek solutions that are particularly suited to Malta's technological and economic needs;

Undertake collaborative research and hands-on projects to help the local labour market meet new challenges posed by global, technological and economic needs.

In order to achieve these aims, the University is taking the following actions:

Ensure that course content reflects the latest developments to meet the present and future needs of local industry and commerce;

Use the data collected from the Graduate Potential Seminar research to ensure that graduates obtain the know-how needed by the labour market, as well as develop leadership capabilities, work competencies and entrepreneurial skills to take initiatives and to create opportunities for economic growth;

Establish a Careers Office to work closely with leaders in local industry, commerce and the ETC to match the needs of the world of work and the aspirations of graduates;

With local industry and through the international – especially European Union – funding, stimulate joint research projects towards such initiatives as the Small and Medium sized companies;

Through units such as the MUS (Malta University Services), the CLS (Centre for Labour Studies), and the IPA (Institute for Public Administration) provide extension courses and training to all categories of workers who seek or need to develop their vocational / professional skills and knowledge;

Through its own example, the University will continue to serve as a model employer by adopting innovative measures to stimulate productivity, quality services and harmonious labour relations;

Retain its traditional characteristics as a humane and friendly institution where all categories of staff work and intermingle with mutual respect.

Institutions:

University of Malta
University of Malta Msida MSD 06 Malta
Tel.:++356 2340 2828
Fax:++356 21 336450
E-mail: intoff@um.edu.mt
Website:http://www.um.edu.mt

 

Centre for Labour Studies
University of Malta, Msida MSD 06, Malta
Tel.:++ 356 2340 2727
Fax:++ 356 21 340 251

 

Foundation for International Studies
Old University Building St. Paul's Street Valletta Malta
Tel.:++356 21234121/2
Fax:++356 21230551
E-mail: intoff@maltanet.net

 

Foundation for International Studies
Old University Building St. Paul's Street Valletta Malta
Tel.:++356 21234121/2
Fax:++356 21230551
E-mail: intoff@maltanet.net
Website:http://www.um.edu.mt/intoff/fis.html

 

Institute of Health Care
University of Malta Tal-Qroqq Msida MSD 06 Malta
Tel.:++356 23402828
Fax:++356 21 336450
Website: http://www.um.edu.mt

 

Malta University Services
University of Malta Tal-Qroqq Msida MSD06 Malta
Tel.:++356 23402324
Fax:++356 21340979
E-mail: info@mus.com.mt
Website:http://www.um.edu.mt


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Date: 2009
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