Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Ali has stated that most school students are not ready for the work environment after they graduate. She made the remark at the closing ceremony of the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) Internship Programme 2023.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Aishath said a system needs to be in place to train students for the work environment before they graduate. She highlighted that schools prioritise book learning and other activities that students can participate in at the school premises, and said that more focus should be placed on activities outside of schools to prepare students for jobs. She said that internships allow students the opportunity to learn and apply skills that are useful at offices.
Additionally, Minister Aishath said internships allow students the opportunity to interact with people of various ages and differing points of view, adding that internships also compel students to be conscientious of their behaviour and get to work on time. She also urged parents to allow their children to take part in various types of work.
Also at the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shahid Ali said MPL aims to abide by the administration’s pledge to provide opportunities for the youth. He said it was the reason MPL conducted the first internship programme in the Maldives for school students and that the company will expand the programme to provide more training opportunities at the ports.
A total of 10 higher education school students graduated from the MPL Internship Programme 2023. During the programme, they learned civil and electrical engineering, information technology project management, machine, and fabrication, as well as photography and videography. The students showcased what they had learned at the graduation ceremony.