Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1178700
17 COMMERCIAL maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 23 OCTOBER 2019 IT is clear that we are living in a day and age where people are more conscious about the nat- ural environment. People are more aware of the numerous intrinsic and extrinsic benefits related to safeguarding our natural heritage. That is why it is imperative that students who are study- ing about safeguarding the environment and providing sustainable solutions do so not just by discussing theories in class, but by actually getting their hands dirty and practic- ing the concepts that are so important for environmental professionals. That is why for the second consecutive year, students reading for a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Engineering at MCAST carried out a number of fieldwork sessions in Gozo. Over a span of two days stu- dents devised and carried out different sampling techniques within both terrestrial and ma- rine ecosystems. This allowed students the op- portunity to apply the concepts discussed in class. Such field- work sessions complemented class-based lectures during which students were presented with real-life problems. In the field, students had to collect, analyse and evaluate data to deduce the state of dif- ferent habitats and of the envi- ronment. Based on the information they collected, they eventually presented their ideas on how to mitigate the effects of anthro- pogenic activity. Whilst importance was given to technical and professional skills that the students will eventually use in their line of work, particular emphasis was also given to transferable skills, such as problem-solving, criti- cal thinking, teamwork and time-management, amongst many others. Such initiatives offer oppor- tunities for students to develop and strengthen skills which go beyond the lecture room and are important for day-to-day professional activities in their field. In a dynamic economy, devel- opment and progress depend on the practical application of scientific knowledge. The pedagogy of Vocational and Professional Education and Training ensures that knowl- edge is practiced and applied in real-life contexts. In the case of the BSc (Hons) in Environmental Engineering programme, students actually put into practice knowledge about the environment and de- velop their professional skills. MCAST aims to play a stra- tegic role in allowing students to develop and enhance skills that enable them to thrive and succeed in a constantly chang- ing market and be catalysts in promoting economic develop- ment, expanding opportunities of employment, and improving the quality of employment. Students are also empowered to develop themselves person- ally and professionally to con- tribute to their own and soci- ety's wellbeing. The students were accom- panied by MCAST Institute of Applied Sciences lecturers Juan José Bonello, Edwin Zam- mit and Francesca Spagnol Gravino. Five eCabs vehicles have been wrapped in a distinct pink col- our as the company once again collaborates with the Marigold Foundation's annual Pink Octo- ber initiatives to promote Breast Cancer Awareness. "This is the second consecu- tive year that we are contribut- ing to this awareness campaign and this year, we also chose to extend this initiative throughout the month of November to con- tinue our awareness campaign for Movember," Greta Borg Bezzina, eCabs' Operations Di- rector, said. "20% of eCabs' employees are female and the company regu- larly encourages its employees to attend screening sessions. Our message is loud and clear: go and have yourself checked – we'll take you if need be – but get test- ed and do so regularly because prevention could save your life," added Greta Borg Bezzina. eCabs goes pink for breast awareness "Roll up your sleeves and practice what you preach"