The Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening training, skills development and employment opportunities for Maldivian youth.

One MoU was signed with Octopus Systems Pvt Ltd to establish apprenticeship and internship programmes that provide participants with practical, on-the-job training and pathways to employment. Under the partnership, Octopus Systems will offer mentorship, resources and professional guidance to support trainees throughout the programme.

A second MoU was signed with Taskin LLP, a Maldivian digital freelancer platform. Through this collaboration, both parties will work to support skills development and promote employment opportunities, with a particular focus on enabling Maldivians to access opportunities within the digital and freelance economy.

Both agreements fall under the Sustainable and Integrated Labour Services (SAILS) Project, a World Bank-funded initiative jointly implemented by the Ministry and the Maldives Pension Administration Office (MPAO). The project provides career guidance, job search assistance, targeted skills development training and mentoring to help Maldivians secure suitable employment.

The Ministry stated that the agreements represent an important step in strengthening the national workforce, promoting youth employment and supporting the country’s development through enhanced skills and career opportunities.