A National Skills and Career Expo will be held to increase Maldivians’ participation in the workforce and provide the skills necessary to develop employees further.
Organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, the expo is aimed at increasing the number of Maldivians in the labour market, equipping the workforce with essential skills, and empowering youth through digital innovation.
The expo was inaugurated by Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed at a ceremony held at the Ministry on Sunday.
The Ministry of Higher Education described the “Vara" Expo as the first of its kind in the Maldives and said the expo is expected to attract more than 15,000 participants, including job seekers, students and professionals.
According to the Ministry, the expo will feature three main zones: Career Zone, with employer booths and interview areas; Education Provider Zone, which will provide information on opportunities for students, including participation from scientific and technical centres which will host stations where participants can apply for first-degree programmes facilitated by the Ministry; and the Skills Experience Zone, which will provide opportunities to experience practical skills in fields such as carpentry, electrical work and information technology.
The expo, scheduled to take place from 6 to 8 November, will offer registration for more than 1,000 jobs and more than 500 educational courses. The newly developed Higher Education Management System portal will enable students to register and apply for courses immediately, with digital integration helping to match skills to job opportunities.
The Ministry has urged job seekers, students, employers and educational institutions interested in participating in the expo to register promptly.
Meanwhile, Public Service Media (PSM) has been appointed as the media partner for the Vara Expo. The agreement was signed by Minister Haidar on behalf of the Ministry and PSM’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Nasreen on behalf of PSM.