STELCO to set up mechanical training centre

State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) is setting up a mechanical training centre in Kaafu Thulusdhoo.

The establishment of this centre will allow them to train staff in-country instead of having to send them abroad as is the current practice.

STELCO took this initiative as a means of cost reduction, and to offer ease to trainees who will then not be required to leave the country for training.

STELCO Regional Department's General Manager Mohamed Yasir told Mihaaru that at present, STELCO sends about four employees abroad for training every year.

According to him, 15 day trainings for four members of staff cost over MVR 400,000.

STELCO commenced work to build the training centre in Kaafu atoll Thulusdhoo in June. The centre will have the capacity to train 100 persons at a time.

The centre will also feature accommodation arrangements for trainees. It will also be equipped with training rooms, electrical training rooms, control training rooms and mechanical training rooms. In the instance that it is necessary, the centre will also have MVHV rooms that can be used.

STELCO Managing Director Hussain Fahmy told Mihaaru last week that the decision to build the centre in Thulusdhoo had been made largely due to the cooperation extended from the island's council.

Fahmy said that the main target in setting up this training centre is to provide training and experience in mechanical engineering to youth and existing employees of the company, and to offer them certification.

"We have the equipment. We can teach in this field, there are well-learned engineers. So there is no reason to not facilitate this opportunity for people interested in the field," he said.

Fahmy further said that the company has decided that a set level of training will be hence required to work in the company's engineering sector.

Those who wish to study at the centre must send applications to STELCO, who are aiming to conduct trainings in collaboration with Maldives National University. To enroll in specific courses, applications must be sent to the university, Fahmy said.

"This is because certification, if provided by STELCO, won't be so valid. However, through the curriculum, this will become a course certified by MNU or such a place accepted at MQA," Fahmy said.

STELCO aims to train 300 persons every year at this training centre.