Port of Maputo helps address skills shortage

As part of its social responsibility programme, the Port Maputo Development Company has embarked on a graduate development programme that gives recent graduates the opportunity to improve their existing skills and to expand their careers. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of maritime-related information – from stevedoring and terminal operations to tallying and the responsibilities of a foreman – with theoretical training combined with hands-on experience. Four students are currently registered on the 12-month course, holding degrees in finance, oceanography, economics and business management. All, however, have a passion for the sea and leapt at the opportunity of steering their careers in this direction. The course has been developed in-house by human resources manager Joao Cuna and training officer Nelia Gomes who is also the co-ordinator. The lecturers are MPDC staff.