State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) is setting up a mechanical training centre in Kaafu atoll Thulusdhoo, aiming to provide in-country training for its staff and reduce the need to send employees abroad for professional development.
According to Mohamed Yasir, General Manager of STELCO’s Regional Department, the company currently sends around four employees overseas for mechanical training each year. Yasir shared that a 15-day training program for four staff members costs over MVR 400,000. The new facility will significantly reduce these expenses while also offering convenience to employees.
Work on the training centre began in June, and once completed, it will have the capacity to train up to 100 people at a time. The centre will be equipped with specialized rooms for electrical, control, and mechanical training. Additionally, it will feature accommodation arrangements for trainees to support longer programs. If needed, the centre will also have medium and high voltage (MVHV) rooms for advanced training.
STELCO’s Managing Director, Hussain Fahmy, explained that the decision to establish the centre in Thulusdhoo was largely due to the cooperation from the island's council. Fahmy highlighted that the centre's primary goal is to provide mechanical engineering training and certification to both youth and existing employees, thereby equipping them with valuable hands-on experience.
“We already have the equipment and skilled engineers, so there’s no reason not to create this opportunity for those interested in the field,” said Fahmy. He further mentioned that the company has set a new standard for the level of training required to work in its engineering sector.
To ensure proper certification, STELCO plans to collaborate with Maldives National University (MNU). “While STELCO can offer training, certification from an institution like MNU, which is recognized by the Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA), will hold more value,” Fahmy said.
STELCO aims to train up to 300 individuals annually at the centre, providing more opportunities for the development of skilled professionals in mechanical engineering across the Maldives.
