The Mauritius MITD and Youth Employability in Africa
The Mauritius Institute of Training and Development (MITD): In today’s fast-changing job market, young people are increasingly seeking practical, skills-based pathways that lead directly to employment. At the same time, employers are seeking well-trained, motivated workers who can contribute to productivity from day one. The Mauritius Institute of Training and Development (MITD) Apprenticeship Scheme bridges this gap by combining real workplace experience with structured theoretical learning.
Designed to benefit both youth and employers, the MITD Apprenticeship Scheme allows individuals to learn a trade through hands-on training while earning recognized national qualifications. For employers, it offers a sustainable way to develop talent, improve workforce quality, and contribute to national skills development.
This guide is intended for prospective employers who wish to understand how the apprenticeship system works, their responsibilities, and how they can benefit from participating in the scheme.
What Is the MITD Apprenticeship Scheme?
The MITD Apprenticeship Scheme is a work-based training programme that enables apprentices to gain professional skills through a mix of on-the-job training and theoretical instruction. Apprentices are employed under a formal contract and trained in accordance with nationally approved curricula.
The scheme leads to National Trade Certificate (NTC) or National Certificate (NC) qualifications, which are officially recognized and aligned with national training standards. This model ensures that learning is not limited to classrooms. Instead, apprentices develop real-world skills, workplace discipline, and professional confidence while actively contributing to an enterprise.
Modes of Apprenticeship Training Offered by MITD
Apprenticeship is an alternative means of learning that some individuals prefer to the traditional classroom approach. To become more effective, apprenticeships tend to be flexible to attract more candidates. To accommodate diverse sectors and employer needs, MITD offers three flexible apprenticeship training modes.
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Dual Apprenticeship Training
There are different modes of apprenticeship, all aimed at training a person to become employable. The government of Mauritius has decided to adopt a dual apprenticeship model. The Dual Mode Apprenticeship is the most common format. Under this model:
- Apprentices spend four to five days per week training at an enterprise.
- They attend an MITD Training Centre for at least one day per week.
- Practical skills are learned directly in the workplace.
- Theoretical knowledge is delivered at the training centre.
This dual approach ensures that apprentices understand not only how tasks are performed, but also why they are done in a particular way. At the end of the training period, apprentices are prepared to sit for final examinations at the relevant NTC or NC level.
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In-House Apprenticeship Training
Under the In-House Apprenticeship Training mode:
- The employer provides both practical and theoretical training.
- Training is conducted entirely within the enterprise.
- The programme leads to NC/NTC Levels 2, 3, or 4, depending on the trade.
This option is ideal for organizations that already have strong technical expertise, qualified trainers, and suitable facilities. MITD supports and monitors the programme to ensure compliance with national standards. Moreover, it ensures that the training aligns with the aim of apprentices gaining employability skills.
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Tailor-Made Apprenticeship Training
The Tailor-Made Apprenticeship Training option is designed for enterprises with specific skill requirements. In this case:
- Training programmes are developed based on the unique needs of the enterprise.
- A customized curriculum is designed in collaboration with MITD.
- The training aligns business objectives with national certification standards.
- This flexible model is particularly suitable for industries facing rapid technological change or specialized operational demands.
Who Can Participate as an Employer?
The Mauritius Institute of Training and Development (MITD) Apprenticeship Scheme has good intentions for apprentices who complete their training. The MITD Apprenticeship Scheme is open to a wide range of organisations, including:
- Private sector enterprises
- Para-statals and statutory bodies
- Government institutions and public sector organizations
- Regardless of size, any organization capable of providing structured training and proper supervision may apply to become an approved apprenticeship employer.
Who Can Become an Apprentice?
The primary goal of the Mauritius Institute of Training and Development is to help as many young people as possible become employable through training at MITD. The MITD Apprenticeship Scheme welcomes as many youth as possible. However, to qualify as an apprentice under the MITD scheme, an individual must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 16, 17, or 18 years old, depending on the sector
- Hold at least Form III or Form IV, depending on the trade
- Possess equivalent qualifications acceptable to MITD
- Secure employment under contract with an enterprise willing to train them as an apprentice
- This makes the scheme particularly attractive to school leavers and young adults who want to enter the workforce while continuing to learn.
How Do Prospective Apprentices Find Employers?
Apprentices can find placement opportunities in several ways:
- By liaising directly with MITD, which may assist with placement
- By contacting enterprises independently
- By responding to apprenticeship advertisements in newspapers or other media
- Once an employer and apprentice agree on the trade, the apprenticeship process can formally begin.
- Duration and Structure of Apprenticeship Training
Depending on the trade, apprenticeship training lasts one to two years. During this period, apprentices will:
- Receive on-the-job practical training at the employer’s workplace
- Be supervised by experienced and qualified personnel
- Attend theory classes at an MITD Training Centre (for dual mode)
- Maintain a training logbook documenting skills acquired
- Sit for final examinations at National Certificate Level 3 (or relevant level)
- This structured approach ensures consistency, quality, and measurable outcomes.
Why Apprenticeships Benefit Employers
A well-trained employee is one of the most valuable assets any organization can have. Apprenticeships offer long-term advantages that go beyond short-term staffing needs. Most apprentices who complete their training successfully acquire skills that indeed make them employable or able to pursue self-employment.
Key Benefits for Employers
- Development of a skilled and job-ready workforce
- Improved productivity through structured skill development
- Opportunity to train employees according to company standards
- Enhanced skills among existing staff involved in mentoring
- Reduced recruitment costs by hiring trained apprentices
- Stronger employee loyalty and retention
- Demonstration of corporate social responsibility
- By investing in apprentices, employers actively shape the future of their industry.
Responsibilities of Employers Under the Apprenticeship Scheme
Once an employer and an apprentice agree on a trade, both parties sign a Deed of Apprenticeship. Under this contract, employers are expected to:
- Deliver structured training aligned with the approved curriculum
- Provide appropriate workplace supervision
- Ensure the apprentice maintains a training logbook
- Pay the apprentice the prescribed monthly allowance
- Release the apprentice for centre-based learning (dual mode)
- Comply with the IVT Regulations of 1994, supplemented by the MITD Act of 2009
- These responsibilities ensure that apprentices receive fair, safe, and meaningful training.
Employer Registration and Workplace Assessment
The Mauritius Institute of Training and Development, upon completion of training, wishes to see its apprentices assigned to the appropriate workstation based on their skills. Before being registered as an approved employer, an MITD official will visit the workplace to assess:
- Availability of suitable equipment and tools
- Capacity to provide proper supervision
- Compliance with training and safety requirements
- This assessment helps maintain the quality and credibility of the apprenticeship programme nationwide.
How Employers Can Recruit Apprentices
Employers have a mandate regarding their workers and the types of workers they want at their workstations. Thus, when selecting apprentices, they choose them based on their needs. Employers can recruit apprentices through multiple channels:
- Contacting MITD for referrals of interested school leavers
- Enrolling newly recruited eligible employees as apprentices
- Recruiting apprentices directly through their own networks
- MITD provides guidance throughout the process to ensure smooth implementation.
Support Provided by MITD
Mauritius, through the MITD, gives the best possible training to empower youth. When youth are empowered, the unemployment problem is addressed. MITD works closely with employers to ensure successful apprenticeship outcomes. Support includes:
- Assistance with programme design
- Facilitation of in-house training
- Development of tailor-made training curricula
- Monitoring and quality assurance
- Certification and examination coordination
- This partnership approach ensures that employers are never left to manage the process alone.
MITD Training Centres and Contact Information
Mauritius is serious about helping its citizens and other African youth develop employable skills to address youth unemployment across the continent. Employers and prospective apprentices can contact the following MITD training centres for more information:
La Tour Koenig Training Centre – Tel: 234-1313 | Fax: 234-0753
Le Chou Multi-Purpose Training Centre – Tel: 831-5256 / 4481 | Fax: 831-5561
Mahebourg Training Centre – Tel: 631-3572 / 631-8664 | Fax: 631-5547
Prof. B.S. Upadhyaya Training Centre – Tel: 264-2525 / 8107 | Fax: 264-1595
Sir Kher Jagatsingh Training Centre – Tel: 467-7733 | Fax: 454-8272
Sir Rampersad Neerunjun Training Complex (East Wing) – Tel: 404-7200 | Fax: 466-1884
Surinam Training Centre – Tel: 625-6043 / 8065 | Fax: 625-7039
Knowledge Based Training Centre – Tel: 206-1800 | Fax: 216-8695
École Hôtelière Sir Gaëtan Duval – Tél. : 404-7200 | Fax: 465-8564
New Bel Air Training Centre – Tel: 419-6395 | Fax: 419-8150
Conclusion on MITD Building Skills, Careers, and the Future Workforce
The MITD Apprenticeship Scheme is more than a training programme. It is a strategic investment in youth, skills, and national development. For young people, it offers a practical pathway to recognized qualifications and stable employment. For employers, it provides access to motivated learners who grow into competent professionals.
By participating in the apprenticeship scheme, employers contribute to building a resilient, skilled, and future-ready workforce—while strengthening their own organisations. Employers through MITD help reduce unemployment across the continent.
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