Accredited Programmes
EVA is licensed as a Further Education Institution with Licence number: 2023‐04 by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). EVA delivers courses accredited by City of Glasgow College and The Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA).
Our Vision
We envision a holistic approach to education. We believe that learning should not be confined to textbooks and classrooms, instead, it should seamlessly integrated with real‐ work experiences and career opportunities. Our Academy is uniquely positioned to offer just that. EVA is the first work‐based learning institution in Malta created by and for industry.
Message from the Board of Directors
Developing Skills for a Global Industry
At the European Vocational Academy, we think that education should prepare students for employment rather than just teach them. EVA is Malta’s innovative response to the changing demands of the workforce, having evolved from a forward‐thinking collaboration between Maypole, Saint. James Hospital, and Saltwave Cassar Marine Group for shipping. We are rethinking vocational education for Malta and the Euro‐Mediterranean area as a cooperative venture with deep industry linkages.
EVA was established on the straightforward yet revolutionary tenet that industry, not just theory, must drive skill development and education in the 21st Century. Graduating with knowledge is no longer sufficient in the cutthroat global economy of today; graduates also need to bring real‐world experience, flexibility, and job‐ready skills. Here, work‐based learning becomes the focal point of all we do.
Our programmes are developed to immediately expose pupils to real‐world situations. Through industry‐integrated classrooms, on‐site training, or structured apprenticeships, EVA guarantees that learning is consistently applicable, engaging, and relevant. Under the direct supervision of experts in the fields of healthcare, hospitality, maritime studies, catering, logistics, management and more, our students are immersed in the workplace rather than only being taught about it.
We are also aware that top‐notch instruction ought to keep up with the demands and speed of contemporary business. As a result of this, we work with our partners to update our courses on a regular basis to incorporate the newest methods, technology, and worldwide trends.
In addition to receiving an accredited qualification, our students leave with the skill and self‐assurance necessary to thrive in any global setting and find a job as quickly as possible.
EVA encourages students from all over the world to participate in this exciting change as Malta establishes itself as a centre for talented hands‐on individuals. Our academy serves as a springboard for aspiring professionals who are keen to collaborate, invent, and lead internationally in addition to being a place of education.
We invite you to help us mould the upcoming generation of talented professionals. At EVA, we train not just for jobs but also for careers, life, and a world that is more in need than ever of practical, quality and relevant competence.
Reuben Debono
Director of the European Vocational Academy
I am a Certified Public Accountant, Auditor (FCCA), and certified tax practitioner, currently serving as Executive Director at Maypole Group.
Since transitioning from a Non‐Executive Director role in 2017 to a full‐time executive position in 2019, I have been responsible for shaping the Group’s strategic direction, leading business development efforts, and overseeing core support functions including Finance, Information Technology, and Human Resources.
My professional background includes a tenure at Grant Thornton, where I led the Business Risk Services division as Manager, specialising in internal audit and advisory. I also have extensive experience in external audit, having worked with a diverse portfolio of clients both in Malta and internationally.
I hold an MBA from Henley Business School, where my dissertation explored the role of good governance in ensuring the long‐term sustainability of family‐owned businesses in Malta—a subject I continue to engage with both professionally and academically.
I place a high value on ethical leadership, transparency, and inclusive communication. Outside of my professional commitments, I enjoy spending time with my family, contributing to community initiatives through volunteering, and pursuing personal interests such as travel, gastronomy, hiking, and staying informed on emerging trends in technology and global affairs.
Maria Bugeja
Director of the European Vocational Academy
Maria Bugeja is a colourful individual who draws her energy from those around her. She thrives in environments where she can interact with people, having always worked in the fields that promote health, well‐being and beauty.
Presently, CEO of the Saint James Hospital Group, subsidiary companies, which includes EVA (European Vocational Academy), Niumee, Peeple HR, and Plastic Surgery Services at Saint James Hospitals. Formerly CEO of the group’s hospitals and clinics, she was instrumental in their success and is now focused on scaling the subsidiary companies to similar heights.
A widow from a young age; mum to a 17 year old girl. A fervent believer in women empowerment and her senior management team are mainly female. A passionate advocate for med aesthetics functional medicine. Drawing on her diverse background in healthcare, education, aesthetics, and HR, she inspires meaningful growth and forward‐thinking innovation wherever she goes.
Andrea Cassar
Director of the European Vocational Academy
Andrea Cassar is the Chief Executive Officer of Cassar Marine Group, a leading provider of maritime services in Malta, specializing in ship repair, tugging, dredging, and offshore support. With roots in the media industry, Andrea began her career as a television producer and host before transitioning to the marine sector in 2005.
Under her leadership, Cassar Marine Group continues to drive strategic growth and operational excellence. Andrea also serves as Director and shareholder in multiple ventures, including Hermanas, an evolving catering company with three outlets across the island, and Saltwave, Malta’s leading oil spill response company. Her dynamic leadership earned her the Best Entrepreneur in Management and Best International Business Woman of the year awards in 2021.
A dedicated mother of two, Andrea balances her professional achievements with family life, embodying resilience and purpose. She remains committed to driving innovation, empowering teams, and contributing meaningfully across every industry she serves.
Prof. Joachim James Calleja
Head of the Academy
EVA: Where Industry Meets Education and Trades Regain Attractiveness and Prestige
At the European Vocational Academy (EVA), industry and education meet, and experience drives learning. As the operational division of EVA, I’m honoured to oversee a company that is actively changing in Malta the relationship between education and employment in addition to bridging it.
At EVA, our approach to vocational training is daring and practical. Our goal is straightforward: give students the practical skills that today’s businesses require. This explains why work‐ based learning is so important to us. We think that education can only go so far; learning becomes lived experience, and theory becomes practice in the job.
Our educational model is centred on work‐based learning. Our students are exposed to real‐world work settings from an early age through mentorships, job shadowing, apprenticeships, and placements. In addition to improving their technical proficiency, this helps them become more self‐ assured, flexible, and driven by their work. Employers are looking for these qualities, and our graduates are unique because of them.
However, flexibility and ongoing upskilling are more crucial than ever in a labour market that is evolving quickly. Micro credentials can change the game in this situation. Micro credentials, as opposed to standard qualifications, enable students and working professionals to develop abilities in a targeted, modular manner. They are succinct, targeted, and instantly relevant to the work. Employers benefit from quicker and more pertinent training for their employees. More employability, increased career mobility, and the capacity to adjust to new positions or technology as they become available are all benefits for individuals.
To make sure that our training stays in line with what the market demands, we at EVA collaborate closely with our original industry partners, the Maypole Group, Saint James Hospital, and Saltwave Cassar Marine Group. This industry link allows programmes, including micro credentials, to be built for recruiting as much as for learning. They are created in collaboration with employers, updated frequently, and designed to promote professional advancement and job preparedness.
Although our strategy is novel for Malta and most of the Mediterranean region and other regions in the world, demand is rapidly increasing. Skilled workers who are prepared to contribute right away are sought after by employers. Additionally, overseas students are looking for a top‐notch, real‐ world education that opens employability doors everywhere. EVA provides both.
As the Academy’s Head, I want to make sure that our students have a life‐changing experience that equips them for long‐lasting, satisfying professions rather than just employment. We support effective education, for pupils, for employers, as well as for the future of this country.
I encourage you to experience the EVA difference, where your potential finds its way and your talents meet practical usefulness.
Matthew Castillo
EVA´s Consultant
The Academy is also supported by Mr. Matthew Castillo as Consultant. Matthew is an experienced educational consultant with over 12 years’ expertise in setting up academies, leading quality assurance initiatives, and course development. He is also a seasoned business advisor, having delivered over 500 hours of coaching and mentoring to senior leaders across both the private and public sectors, with a particular focus on managers and supervisors.
Matthew has supported professionals in sectors including healthcare, public service, retail, import, and manufacturing. He sits on the board of a multinational company with a multibillion‐dollar turnover and global presence. His background includes senior roles at prominent advisory firms, where he honed his consultancy skills across diverse industries.
For the past seven years, he has successfully led his own consultancy business, driving projects in Healthcare, Pharma, Retail, IT, Education, and Automotive. Additionally, Matthew serves as a Visiting Senior Lecturer at the University of Malta, teaching Marketing Research techniques to undergraduate students.
Profile of the Founding Partners
Maypole – A Maltese Bakery Legacy
Maypole is one of Malta’s most beloved names in the food industry, with a heritage that spans over a century. Founded in 1900 as a modest, family‐run bakery, Maypole has flourished into a leading producer and distributor of baked goods across the Maltese Islands. From its early beginnings kneading dough in the heart of a village, the company has grown into a household name, celebrated for its commitment to traditional values, quality craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the local community.
At its core, Maypole remains true to its roots. It is best known for its traditional Maltese bread— especially the iconic ftira and crusty loaves that are staples in households across Malta. The company has not stood still. Over the years, it has diversified its offerings to include a wide range of baked products, from sweet and savoury pastries to ready‐made meals and cakes. Despite expanding its range, Maypole has retained the artisan touch that distinguishes it from mass‐ market alternatives.
Today, Maypole operates a robust retail network with outlets in numerous towns and villages across Malta and Gozo. Its presence is not only felt in its own branded stores but also through partnerships with major supermarkets, restaurants, and food‐service providers. The company also has a thriving catering division, supplying freshly baked goods and meals for events, corporate functions, and hospitality businesses.
What makes Maypole stand out is its unwavering dedication to quality and its community‐first approach. The business remains family‐owned, and this sense of family permeates the entire organization—from long‐standing staff members to close‐knit customer relationships. Many employees have been with the company for decades, contributing to a loyal and experienced workforce.
Maypole has also made significant strides in modernising its operations. Its production facilities are equipped with advanced baking technology, allowing it to scale up while maintaining the traditional techniques that define its identity. In parallel, the company has taken steps toward sustainability by introducing eco‐friendly packaging, minimising food waste, and supporting local sourcing wherever possible.
As it looks to the future, Maypole continues to balance tradition and innovation. It strives to preserve the authentic tastes that generations have grown up with, while adapting to changing consumer lifestyles and preferences. Whether it’s a warm loaf from the corner shop or a catered feast for a celebration, Maypole remains a trusted name built on heritage, quality, and heart.
Contact: +356 2258 1581
Saint James Hospital: Pioneering Private Healthcare in Malta
Saint James Hospital has earned a well‐established reputation as one of Malta’s premier private healthcare providers. Founded in the 1990s, the hospital was created to offer a high standard of medical care within a patient‐focused environment—a mission that continues to define its operations today. With facilities in Sliema, Zabbar, and Burmarrad, the St James Hospital Group is not just a healthcare provider but a trusted institution for thousands of Maltese and international patients each year.
What sets Saint James Hospital apart is its commitment to comprehensive, personalized medical services. The hospital offers a broad range of healthcare solutions under one roof, including outpatient and inpatient care, specialist consultations, diagnostic imaging, surgical procedures, and emergency services. From routine check‐ups to complex surgeries, the hospital emphasizes precision, professionalism, and compassionate care.
Saint James is known for its state‐of‐the‐art medical facilities, equipped with the latest technology in diagnostics, operating theatres, and imaging services, including MRI, CT scans, and digital mammography. This investment in innovation ensures that patients have access to the most accurate and efficient medical interventions available. At the same time, the hospital employs highly trained doctors, nurses, and administrative staff who work collaboratively to deliver outstanding patient outcomes.
One of the cornerstones of Saint James Hospital’s success is its focus on quality and safety. It operates according to rigorous healthcare standards and has adopted international best practices to ensure continuous improvement. Patients consistently rate the hospital highly for its cleanliness, professionalism, and clear communication—factors that are crucial when navigating healthcare decisions.
The hospital is also deeply committed to accessibility and convenience. It operates extended hours, offers fast‐track appointments, and provides multilingual support to cater to Malta’s diverse population and visiting foreigners.
For medical tourists, in particular, Saint James has become a preferred destination, offering tailored services including pre surgery consultations and recovery support.
Beyond clinical services, Saint James Hospital has expanded into wellness and preventative care, recognising that long‐term health is built on more than just reactive treatment. Through initiatives like health screening programmes, dietary and fitness consultations, and educational events, the hospital actively promotes healthier lifestyles among the community.
As the demand for quality healthcare continues to rise, Saint James Hospital remains a leader in delivering excellence with empathy. Its forward‐thinking leadership, dedication to continuous improvement, and genuine care for patient well‐being have secured its place at the forefront of Malta’s private healthcare landscape.
Contact: +356 2329 1000
Cassar Marine Group
Cassar Marine Group is a dynamic collective of companies led by its parent entity, Cassar Enterprises Ltd, which was established in 1967. With deep roots in Malta’s maritime sector, our group has grown into a trusted name, offering a comprehensive range of marine‐related services.
Our expertise spans from ship repair and maintenance to operating a diverse fleet of vessels including tugs, dredgers, barges, hoppers, and jack‐up barges.
One of the core companies within the group, Cassar Ship Repair, provides full‐spectrum ship maintenance and repair services. Equipped with a floating dock capable of handling vessels up to 5,000 tons and supported by a 24/7 emergency team, we ensure prompt, reliable, and high‐quality repairs at our Marsa‐based facility.
In addition to ship repair, our group owns and operates a fleet of certified vessels manned by experienced crews, ready for deployment in both local and international waters. Our operations cover a wide array of maritime services including barge chartering, quay construction support, dredging, international towing, sea salvage, and more.
A significant arm of the group, Saltwave Ltd, specialises in oil spill prevention and response. As a dedicated and highly regarded entity, Saltwave Ltd offers both preventive and reactive solutions, including rapid‐response services for Bunker Operators, Marine Terminals, and related facilities.
With decades of experience and a solid foundation in maritime excellence, Cassar Marine Group continues to lead the industry through its commitment to safety, quality, and innovation. We take pride in delivering exceptional service and maintaining a reputation for excellence that makes us one of the leading marine service providers in the Mediterranean region.
Contact: +356 2124 4500