Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, Ibrahim Waheed, has said that more than 500 young people have been trained under the National Apprenticeship Programme.

He made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the Hunavaru Apprenticeship Programme conducted by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), where 34 participants successfully completed their training.

According to the Minister, the programme is not only aimed at expanding employment opportunities but also at reducing dependence on foreign workers by preparing skilled Maldivian youth for the labour market. He noted that the initiative helps to instil self-reliance and the ability to develop new skills among young people.

So far, 569 individuals have completed training through the programme, while a further 113 are currently enrolled in apprenticeship schemes run by different companies across the country. Minister Waheed described this as an important achievement and emphasised that those trained under the initiative would play a key role in improving productivity and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.

He also underlined the importance of cooperation between the Government, private companies, and other sectors to sustain such initiatives and provide opportunities for more young people in the future.

In addition to MACL, several companies in the Maldives, including Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) and Dhiraagu, also offer apprenticeship programmes. Minister of Education Dr Ismail Shafeeu has urged more companies to introduce such initiatives to help expand opportunities for youth development.