HDC launch training for locals in 7 areas

Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has the 'National Apprenticeship Program' under the government-initiated 'Hunaru Program'.

The government-initiatied skills development program aims at providing training to Maldivians in a wide array of areas.

HDC said the program will last for six months, and will focus on training participants in seven different areas. The corporation added they will be running the program under the supervision of its technical and skilled staff.

HDC further said it intends to provide employment opportunities to participants as much as vacancies allowed.

The program offers Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA) National Certificate Level 3 courses in all seven areas. The areas include;

• Computer Hardware and Networking
• Health and Safety in Construction
• Front Office
• Gardening
• Construction Site Supervision
• Masonry
• Electrical Installation

Interested applicants, between the age of 18 and 35 years, who have completed GCE O'Level or Grade 10 will be eligible for the programs. The participants will receive a monthly allowance of MVR 6,000.

HDC said the program aims to develop technical and skilled local professionals, with the objective of reducing foreign labors in those fields.

Under the same policy of skills development among Maldivians, the government has also initiated plans to develop a Fisheries College to provide tertiary academic options in fisheries and affiliated fields.

According to the agreement signed between the Maldives National University (MNU) and the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, courses related to the field are expected to begin in August 2024.