Leo Trading and Ministry of Higher Education Launch Youth Apprenticeship Program

Leo Trading has partnered with the Ministry of Higher Education to launch a national youth apprenticeship program. This initiative, in collaboration with the Maldives National Skills Development Authority (MNSDA) and Maldives Polytechnic, is set to take place at Leo Trading’s work sites on the industrial island of Thilafushi.

Participants in the apprenticeship program will work at Leo Trading’s store, warehouse, workshop, and dockyard. They will receive allowances as part of their training. This program aims to provide hands-on experience and technical skills to the youth, preparing them for various professions.

Last week, officials from MNSDA, Polytechnic, and the Higher Education Ministry visited Thilafushi to assess Leo Trading’s facilities. State Minister of Higher Education Ahmed Shafeeu praised Leo Trading's extensive equipment and facilities, which are capable of executing large-scale projects. He highlighted the technical progress of the company and expressed the intention to plan similar programs with Leo Trading to further capacity development.

“If we are to list the industries in the Maldives, Leo covers over 80 percent of the professions. We also observed several professions at Leo’s work sites that we had not previously identified the skill sets for, which we intend to include in future programs. The job opportunities through Leo are abundant and will be made available in the job market,” Shafeeu said.

Managing Director of Leo Trading, Abdulla Sawad, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing career opportunities for locals. He highlighted Leo Trading’s scholarship opportunities and academic sponsorships aimed at developing future professionals. The apprenticeship program will offer certificate-level training.

Leo Trading is also working to establish a training institution that will provide special technical licenses from its international partners. The company is developing a 43,000-square-foot commercial training institution at Thilafushi, the largest training facility owned by a private entity in the Maldives. Additionally, an accommodation facility will be built to provide lodging for students attending the training institution.

This partnership and the new apprenticeship program reflect a significant step towards empowering the Maldivian youth with valuable skills and enhancing job opportunities in the country.