Ministry of Economic Development has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with three State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to conduct apprenticeship programmes for individuals whose jobs were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MoUs for the apprenticeship programmes were signed with Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO). The agreements are part of the COVID-19 Emergency Income Support Project, which aims to facilitate the recovery of individuals who lost their jobs or income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic ministry said the apprenticeship programmes will help to increase employability by providing on-the-job training to individuals impacted by the pandemic.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, CEO of MTCC Adam Azim said the company will train 220 individuals under the apprenticeship programme. He added the participants of the programme will be trained in different divisions of the company under the supervision of relevant staff. He expressed hope the programme will also enable the company to acquire staff for certain jobs which are facing shortages, such as welding, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and different types of mechanics.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of HDC Suhail Ahmed said the programme is an excellent opportunity to train individuals in areas with human resource shortages. He revealed HDC will train 130 individuals under this programme.
Acting Managing Director of WAMCO Yoosuf Siraj also highlighted the importance of this programme to enable the development of skills required for the current employment market. Noting waste management is a fast-growing sector, Siraj said the programme will provide opportunities for the youth to build their careers in the sector.
More than 400 individuals will receive training under the apprenticeship programme. Participants will be trained in various sectors including construction, transportation and logistics.