MCAST engineering students are now eligible for warrant applications

May 25 2022

MCAST’s Engineering Board has just approved the four bachelor of engineering programmes on offer, meaning that all current students will be eligible to apply for a warrant.

This was announced by Education Minister Clifton Grima and Public Works Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi.

In 2021, MCAST announced that engineering alumni who graduated before 2022 would be eligible to apply for a warrant once they completed the Pre-Warrant Qualification Course. The college said that more than 90% of 307 registered graduates from the 2013 cohort are in full employment and working in sectors directly related to their studies.

The college said that over the past years it has been continuously investing in equipment, including a €7 million new state-of-the-art building for the Institute of Engineering and Transport inaugurated in May 2018.

The news was described as a positive step by Education Minister Clifton Grima, who said that it confirms that MCAST is a ‘strategic partner in our country’s socio-economic development.’

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Maltese unemployment drops below 1,000 people

May 25 2022

New NSO statistics revealed that unemployment in Malta officially dropped to below 1000 people.

Statistics provided by Jobsplus showed that last April, the amount of people who were registered for work was 963, presenting a decrease of 1,285 people when compared with the same month last year.

The NSO also revealed that unemployment went down among both men and women. Compared with the same period last year, those registering for work for less than 21 weeks and the ones who were on the register for unemployment between 21 and 52 weeks decreased in amount as well.

Further decrease was noted among those who registered for work for more than a year. People with disabilities also saw further employment, as the number went down by 12 people. This means that there are currently 247 people with a disability who are unemployment.

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The end of speed limit signs? New tech automatically slows down cars

May 25 2022

New technology has been developed that automatically slows down cars – and it just might make speed limit signs obsolete.

Ford has argued that this new technology could make streets simpler, safer and easier on the eye. It could also help drivers avoid costly speeding fines without relying on having to spot signs.

Called geo-fencing technology, the machinery creates a virtual area where vehicles slow down. The driver receives the information via the dashboard display and the new speed limit flashes for them to see.

The vehicle would automatically reduce speed in line with the geo-fenced zone. The driver would still be able to override the system to deactivate limit control at any time.

The company is now trialling connected vehicle technology and it could one day mean the utter elimination of speed signs. “Geofencing can ensure speeds are reduced where – and even when – necessary to help improve safety and create a more pleasant environment.”

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Comino to have zero police officers in summer during the night

May 25 2022

In a joint statement by two PN MPs Alex Borg and Joe Giglio, it was brought to attention that Comino will have zero police surveillance in summer.

No officer will be stationed on Comino between 8:30pm and 9am this summer. The statement was calling for more police officers to be stationed in Gozo, particularly following the recent murder of Syrian youth Fawez Najem.

However, the Gozitan MP was informed by the police that Comino has been ‘isolated’ for the hours of the night with no police officers on duty.

‘The lack of security on Gozo is a daily and serious concern’ the duo said. ‘This lack is not coming from the officials who work long hours but from those responsible for allocating human and financial resources.

The calls come as summer progresses and the population of Gozo increases due to the influx of tourists and visitors.

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