Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has launched the Urbanco Apprenticeship Programme 2023. It is the sixth edition of the programme.
Minister of Higher Education Dr. Ibrahim Hassan, Director of Programmes at the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT) Adam Haleem and Managing Director of HDC Ahmed Athif attended the opening ceremony to launch the programme. The programme aims to build professional and competent individuals in specific fields.
This year, HDC opened the opportunity for 100 individuals to participate in the programme. Under the programme, HDC will conduct training in accordance with the National Competency Standards of the Maldives National Skills Development Authority. Individuals that complete the programme will obtain a National Level 3 qualification recognised by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA) and gain work experience.
Speaking at the ceremony, Athif said that HDC will provide full cooperation to the government in its efforts to train 3,000 young individuals to reinvigorate the economy after it was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. He also said that HDC will always strive to build youth and provide many opportunities for the development of them.
HDC will be training apprentices in 11 fields including heavy vehicle, welding, gardening, refrigeration inventory management and air conditioning mechanics, as well as computer hardware and networking. In addition, fields include housekeeping, front office services, health and safety in construction, painting and decorations, as well as construction site supervision.
HDC has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment to conduct the apprenticeship programme. The economic ministry is providing financial assistance in collaboration with the World Bank under the COVID-19 Emergency Income Support Project.