The Government has officially broken ground for the construction of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Centre in Shaviyani Funadhoo.

The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development and will see the construction of a modern two-storey facility on a 17,500-square-foot plot of land in Funadhoo. The centre will serve as a practical training hub, with facilities including specialised classrooms, a multi-purpose workshop and ICT laboratories.

According to the ministry, the centre will also include administrative offices, study rooms, a library and dedicated student service areas to support a comprehensive learning environment. The project has been awarded to Central Line Private Limited and is scheduled for completion within one year.

The Funadhoo centre forms part of national programme to establish TVET centres across the country. Similar centres are currently under development in Haa Alifu Dhidhdhoo, Raa Alifushi, Noonu Velidhoo, Kulhudhuffushi City and Fuvahmulah City.

In addition to the TVET centre, Funadhoo is also set to host campuses of the Maldives National University (MNU) and the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM), along with a student accommodation block, strengthening the island’s role as a regional education hub for the northern atolls.

The Government has said the development of TVET centres is aimed at equipping Maldivians with practical skills required by key industries, supporting workforce development and reducing reliance on foreign labour. The initiative forms part of the President’s pledge to expand access to higher education and vocational training across all regions of the country.