Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts Ibrahim Waheed has affirmed that the National Apprenticeship Programme will pave the path for young people to develop and progress in their respective fields of interests. The minister revealed this while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the second batch of the apprenticeship programme, which is jointly conducted by the ministry and Marriott International.
The significant ceremony was graced by the presence of Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef. During the ceremony, the second batch of participants were presented enrolment letters for the programme. The letters were handed over by the vice president and Minister Waheed.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Waheed stated that the programme will teach the students essential skills related to the respective fields of interests. The minister assured that the students who complete the programmes will be awarded Level 3 certificates which will be recognised by the Maldives National Skills Development Authority.
Highlighting that 43% of the nation's population constitutes the youth, Minister Waheed revealed that it was the responsibility of the government to pave the path for them to progress in the field interested. The minister underscored the crucial importance of the apprenticeship programme to reduce the unemployment rate and eject a skilled labour force into the labour market.
During the ceremony, Minister Waheed revealed that the primary objective of the apprenticeship programme is to reduce the number of foreign employees in the labour market, and replace them with confident and skilled locals. The programme additionally aims to build a society with honest and independent young individuals.
Previously, 43 individuals participated in the apprenticeship programme specialised for those employed in resorts. Meanwhile, a total of 60 individuals participated in the programme officiated. The National Apprenticeship Programme offers training in mainly six areas. This includes the tourism sector, transportation sector, construction industry, social sector, fisheries and agricultural industries and arts.