The Masonry Heritage Skills courses are part of a structured vocational training programme offered in conjunction with the Institute of Building and Construction Engineering of the Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST). The four-year diploma course allows sequential progression between three levels of certified study, Riffied (compulsory level 1), Sewwej (one year) and Mastru (two years).

Candidates with previous working experience (in traditional stone buildings) and holders of builder’s license may be accredited for their experience. The scope of the courses is to provide training and apprenticeship in specialised heritage skills.

RIFFIED LEVEL (HS1)

The Riffied Level offers introductory tuition.

Subjects studied:

Theory of conservation and restoration History of architecture Limestone studies Occupational health and safety Basic recording techniques and documentation Cleaning techniques Pointing and repair Protection and maintenance

Basic Core tools taught during these studies are:

• Information technology
• Building construction
• Drawing
• Basic English
• Basic Maltese
• Basic Mathematics
• Sports

Admission

Applicants should present a valid school-leaving certificate to apply.

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SEWWEJ LEVEL (HS2)

This level builds on the topics previously covered by the Riffied level (HS1), but these are developed in further details. New topics presented include:

• Deterioration mechanisms
• Coordinated science
• Building quantities

Basic Core tools taught during these studies are:

Stone dressing Toweling Painting Carpentry Electrical Plumbing

Admissions

To enter into the Sewwej level (HS2), you must successfully complete the Riffied level (HS2). The student must also gain site experience under direct supervision of the HS3 Mastru. Eventually Sewwej must obtain an Ordinary Level or equivalent pass mark in English, Maltese, Mathematics and Information Technology.

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The Mastru level topics covered in the previous two (2) levels are elaborated further and the following new subjects introduced:

Project Management Building legislation Specialised building materials Principles of land surveying Building services

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Admissions

All prospective students must successfully complete the obligatory Riffied level (HS1) and if accredited with enough competence and experience, may skip following the Sewwej level (HS2).

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