The Maldives has an established vocational education and apprenticeship system centred on TVET. The National Apprenticeship Program (NAP) usually combines on-the-job learning, classroom instruction and, where available, online learning. A NAP National Certificate at Level 3 of the Maldives National Qualifications Framework (MNQF) is a recognised outcome, while direct employment is possible but not guaranteed. The MNSDA/TVET Authority sets National Competency Standards, registers providers and programmes, approves the required COT before training starts, monitors delivery, organises trade testing and supports certification. The Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) maintains the MNQF, handles accreditation and quality functions, and maintains the relevant register. The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development sets education policy, while the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness cooperates on NAP activities. Formal training may take place through institution-based training at a registered provider or employment-based training in a public or private organisation with a real workplace. Employment-based formats include apprenticeship, Community Based Training and School Based Training, including Dhasvaaru. A provider needs the required TVET Authority registration, programme registration and COT approval before training begins. Learning venues can include resorts and hotels, companies, workshops, institutes, technical colleges and community facilities. Training may be modular, self-paced or based on demonstrated work performance. It can combine classroom or online lessons, demonstrations, supervised workplace practice and regular reporting. A training contract normally sets out attendance, daily log entries, mentor or supervisor assessments, participation in internal and final assessments, and compliance with safety and workplace rules. Providers must explain their complaint and evaluation procedures. The available evidence does not establish a general automatic employment contract or a guaranteed job after completion. NAP access is specific rather than a general admission rule for every TVET programme. The documented NAP requirements are Maldivian citizenship, at least 18 years of age and basic education or Grade 7. At the time of the research on 11 September 2026, the NAP page showed no open places. MNQF entry requirements vary by level: Certificate I generally requires basic education or age 16; Certificate II requires basic education, Level 1 or age 16; and Certificate III requires basic education, Level 2 or age 18. The applicant must also meet the language-of-instruction requirement, and an individual programme may add further conditions. Training covers six broad sectors: construction; fisheries and agriculture; ICT; social services; tourism; and transport. Examples include carpentry, welding, plumbing, electrical installation, fish processing, gardening, programming, networking, pharmacy assistance, commercial cookery, housekeeping, front-office work, tour guiding, barista work, water sports, boat operation, marine mechanics and vehicle maintenance. Tourism has high practical relevance, and official material identifies a shortage of ICT personnel. Availability differs between Malé, atolls, resorts and island businesses. A NAP programme commonly lasts about six to twelve months, although the exact duration depends on the trade and provider. The documented NAP incentive is at least MVR 3,000 per month; general participant fees are not fully published. Provider, external-assessment, travel, accommodation and course costs may therefore differ and should be checked in the specific offer. MNQF Certificate III comprises 40 credits and often takes about 15 full-time weeks. Certificate IV comprises 120 credits, including 90 credits at Level 4, with full-time pathways described as roughly one year or 30 weeks depending on the programme. Assessment tests demonstrated competence against the relevant National Competency Standards. Evidence may include written, practical or oral tests, observation, a logbook, trainer and supervisor reports, completed products, simulations, video or photographs. A qualified external assessor approved through the TVET system contributes to the assessment, which produces an assessment report used for certification. Partial competence can be recorded as a Certificate of Achievement. Progression can move from MNQF Level 1 to Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4. A learner with the required admission conditions may progress from National Certificate 3 to National Certificate 4. The MNSDA describes the National Certificate as nationally recognised. One Marriott NAP example recorded 114 completions across three cohorts, with 71 of 74 graduates from the first two cohorts employed by Marriott; this is an individual programme example, not a general employment rate. People who already have occupational skills may be able to use trade testing if they can demonstrate all competencies required by the relevant National Competency Standards. A national apprenticeship framework and recognition-of-prior-learning system were under development in 2024, but full operational implementation is not confirmed. Informal workplace practice, self-learning or employer learning therefore does not automatically result in a National Certificate, and recognition depends on the available assessment procedure.
Apprenticeship in Maldives
Vocational education and apprenticeship in the Maldives is organised mainly through technical and vocational education and training (TVET). The National Apprenticeship Program (NAP) combines workplace learning with classroom teaching and, where offered, online learning. Programmes can lead to a National Certificate, but informal work experience alone does not automatically create a national qualification.
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