MCAST Principal and CEO Prof Joachim James Calleja was re-elected President of the European
Forum of Vocational Education and Training (EfVET) after already serving for two years. EfVET is
one of the leading European-wide professional associations which was set up in 1991 by
Vocational Education and Training providers.

The organisation serves a network of 1,500 VET providers in 24 countries reaching 750,000
teachers and over 25 million learners. Its main activities are advocacy, participation in research
activities and sharing of best practices in VET across Europe. EfVET represents the views of its
members on VET issues to all the European Union Institutions and bodies and responds to all
appropriate consultation processes.

In commenting on his re-election, Prof Calleja thanked all members and said: “I am truly
honoured to be given this vote of confidence at this crucial time for the sector, and I will persist
in advocating for the Vocational Education and Training. In leading this European network, I will
continue to seek wider opportunities for MCAST and the vocational education and training sector
in Malta.”

Prof Calleja has been involved in vocational education and training since 2001. He served as
Cedefop Director from 2013 to 2018. Before this appointment, he served as Permanent Secretary
of the Ministry for Education and Employment.

In 2005 he was entrusted with the setting up of the Malta Qualifications Council where he served
as its Chief Executive for five years. Under his leadership Malta launched its National
Qualifications Framework and related legislation leading to the validation of informal and nonformal learning, quality assurance and accreditation.
His career started in 1986 at the Foundation for International Studies at the University of Malta followed by appointments at the United Nations International Institute of Aging and the Ministry of Economic Services.