Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and Villa International High School (VIHS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce a student internship programme, giving students practical workplace experience and greater exposure to career opportunities.
The agreement was signed by MACL CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed and VIHS Principal Ali Musthafa.
The signing ceremony was attended by MACL Deputy Managing Director Mujthaba Latheef, Senior General Manager of Human Resources Ali Huzaim, members of MACL’s Learning and Development team, the VIHS Senior Management Team and other school representatives.
Under the partnership, students will have opportunities to experience professional working environments and gain a clearer understanding of how knowledge acquired in the classroom is applied in real-world settings.
A key component of the programme will be exposure to the wide range of functions involved in operating Velana International Airport. Students will be introduced to areas including airport operations, engineering, information technology, customer service, logistics, corporate services, and safety and security.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Shareef said the initiative reflects MACL’s commitment to “Empower and Develop Our People,” with the company extending that focus beyond its current employees to young people who could eventually join MACL, the aviation sector or the wider workforce.
The programme is also designed to help participating students strengthen essential professional skills, including communication, teamwork, accountability, adaptability, problem-solving and professionalism.
By gaining first-hand exposure to different areas of airport management and operations, students will also be able to develop a broader understanding of potential career paths and make more informed decisions about their future education and employment.
The MoU represents the beginning of a wider collaboration between MACL and VIHS. Both parties plan to explore additional student-development initiatives, including internships, career-awareness programmes, industry talks, workplace visits and mentoring opportunities.
The partnership also strengthens links between education and industry at a time when developing skilled local talent remains important to the continued growth of the Maldives’ aviation sector.
