Shaping Careers: Leo Trading’s Training Program for the Youth

Leo Trading has partnered with the Ministry of Higher Education to introduce a groundbreaking youth apprenticeship program. This national-level initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Maldives National Skills Development Authority (MNSDA) and Maldives Polytechnic.

The program will take place at Leo Trading’s extensive work sites on the industrial island of Thilafushi. Participants will gain hands-on experience while working at Leo Trading’s store, warehouse, workshop, and dockyard. They will also receive allowances during the apprenticeship. Last week, officials from MNSDA, Maldives Polytechnic, and the Ministry of Higher Education conducted a thorough assessment of Leo Trading’s facilities at Thilafushi. State Minister of Higher Education Ahmed Shafeeu commended Leo Trading for its technical advancements, highlighting the company’s capacity to execute large-scale projects. He also emphasized the program’s broader potential, stating that Leo Trading’s collaboration with MNSDA and Polytechnic will lead to further capacity-building initiatives. “If we consider the industries in the Maldives, Leo Trading represents over 80% of professions, we discovered previously unrecognized skill sets at Leo Trading’s sites, which we aim to include in future training programs. The company’s wide range of job opportunities will make a substantial contribution to the job market.” Shafeeu remarked.

Leo Trading’s Managing Director, Abdulla Sawad, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to developing local talent. He highlighted Leo Trading’s ongoing efforts in offering scholarships and academic sponsorships to prepare future professionals. The apprenticeship program, hosted by Leo Trading, will offer certificate-level training. Additionally, Leo Trading is taking significant strides to establish its own training institution. This facility will grant specialized technical licenses in collaboration with Leo Trading’s international partners.

As part of its commitment to skills development, Leo Trading is constructing the largest private training institution in the Maldives. The 43,000-square-foot commercial training facility is under development at Thilafushi. To support trainees, Leo Trading will also build an accommodation facility for students attending the center.