VTA Archives

September 22, 2023

The latest of the “Skill Force” career guidance programme series, sponsored by Sri Lanka premium steel manufacturer, Melwa, and launched by the Derana Media Network, was successfully held at the Vocational Training Authority (VTA) premises in Nuwara-Eliya recently. Nearly 3000 youths from Nuwara-Eliya and surrounding areas participated in the programme. Those who are looking forward to deciding which employment to pursue after completing their education are well-guided through this programme. It directs the youths to attend vocational training courses conducted by the VTA and guides them to achieve National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ). Melwa, a proud Sri Lankan company, is fully sponsoring this programme with the aim of creating a talented young workforce which will in turn strengthen the country’s economy. These qualifications are of great use in applying for well-paid jobs both in Sri Lanka and abroad.

Simultaneously, Melva is also providing the opportunity for skilled and experienced masons and welders between the ages of 25 and 35 across Sri Lanka to obtain the NVQ qualification. Nearly 40 selected masons and welders joined the programme held in Nuwara-Eliya recently. Melwa’s efforts towards saturating the construction sector of Sri Lanka with professionally qualified workers will for no doubt make a significant contribution to the progress of the domestic economy. Melwa’s Brand Manager Gayantha Madumadawa and Head of Promotions Harshana Rankoth joined the programme. The programme was earlier held in Colombo, Gampaha and Embilipitiya, and will be held in Kurunegala in the coming days.

June 14, 2023

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People’s Leasing & Finance PLC (PLC) in collaboration with the Vocational Training Authority (VTA), successfully empowered a group of deserving youth offering “Haritha Nena” vocational scholarships. Entry criteria for the rural youth identified from the economically disadvantaged households was NVQ Level – 3 qualification. The objective of this programme was to empower the skilled workforce of the nation, increase their employability and attract prospective foreign revenues for the nation while contributing to the advancement of United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Two vocational education programmes were completed at the Vocational Training Centres located in Narahenpita (Colombo Region). and Wegiriya (Kandy Region).

In a context where the rising global temperature has created an increased demand for hybrid automobiles that offer positive environmental impacts including high fuel efficiency and low emissions, there is a significant shortage for skilled labour in the field of hybrid motor mechanics. Hence, “Haritha Nena” vocational scholarship programme also aimed at meeting the unmet demand by empowering a group of youths on Hybrid Automobile Technology covering 100 course hours. All youth who successfully completed the programme received NVQ Level – 4 qualification.

The last session of each programme was held at both centers and graced by Mr. Sanjeewa Bandaranayake, Head of Sustainable Finance, Ms.Roshni Motha, Manager – Sustainable Finance Unit, Mr. Hishan Welmilla, Manager – Marketing & Communication, Mr. Senaka Munasinghe, Branch Manager of PLC Kandy, Mr.Minthaka Deeyagahage, FD & Savings Officer and staff members of the Sustainable Finance Unit in the presence of instructors from the VTA. Both sessions were resourced by Mr. G.P. Sirikumara, Assistant Manager – Credit Risk & Analytics of PLC covering fundamentals on financial literacy, prudent management of cash flows of a newly set up SME business as well as interactive knowledge sharing on preparation of a sound business proposal to qualify for a credit facility from a reputed bank or a financial institution. In total, 35 deserving youth were benefitted through this worthy corporate social responsibility initiative.

People’s Leasing & Finance PLC is a leading Non-Bank Financial Institution in Sri Lanka and a subsidiary of People’s Bank, one of the largest State-owned banks in the country. Commencing operations in 1996. People’s Leasing was listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange in 2011. People’s Leasing has grown to become a diversified non-banking financial powerhouse with six subsidiaries in allied areas of specialization, including a venture overseas in Bangladesh

March 23, 2023

Swiss Hospitality & Management Academy (SHMA) of A. Baur & Co. Pvt Ltd., also known as Baurs, a leading conglomerate with diversified business interests, recently signed an MoU with the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA) under the Ministry of Education to implement its Skills for Sustainable Growth (SSG) project among selected learning centers across the country.

This partnership marks a significant milestone, following its ongoing discussions with VTA since 2019. The planning phase is already underway and SHMA is currently in the process of evaluating and selecting existing learning centers of VTA, building on their infrastructure and reach, with the aim of uplifting learning capacities and aligning the current learning content, curriculums and teaching methodologies to that of international standards.

With its first phase running from last year up until 2025, a total of 2,240 students will be trained and the lecturers at the VTA learning centers will go through a Train the Trainer program, which will enhance their teaching skills to embrace newer and practical approaches that deliver a hands-on learning experience to the students. The focus will go beyond just grasping technical skills to also include personal development and language training.

The aim of the entire SSG initiative, which is based on a public-private funding partnership, is to strengthen and match the learning standards in the country to that of the global industry, to enable fast-track routes to employability in just 9 months with the learning taking a hands-on practical approach, and to minimize or bridge the widening skills gap. The internationally aligned qualification delivered through this initiative will help various unskilled and semi-skilled young men and women in Sri Lanka including providing migrants with a skill set needed for better employment opportunities. The program is developed on a ‘Plug & Play’ basis, giving more practical and feasible learning modules and methodologies for the learner and learning center.

Site visits have already begun, with a pool of total 22 centers across 16 districts across the country, to select the most feasible centers to kickstart the SSG project. By July 2023, six centers will be selected and 240 students will see themselves equipping with the skillset required today in the world of hospitality management over a period of nine months.

The skills development project is established to align and implement a Swiss Vocational Skills Development (VSD) curriculum. The project will take a lead in bridging the skills gap, instill quality education standards, encourage female participation, and make Sri Lanka not just a most sought-after talent destination for hospitality but also one of the best tourist spots. These will undoubtedly go onto strengthen the economy further.

The Swiss Hotel Management Academy is licensed to deliver the VET (Vocational Education Training) by EHL Professional Diploma programme from the pioneer in hospitality education since 1893 with over 25,000 alumni worldwide and over 120 nationalities, École hôtelière de Lausanne. SHMA provides world class education through its VET by EHL Professional Diploma programme, available in Culinary, Food & Beverage and Hotel Operations.

The SSG hospitality certificate provides a steppingstone towards enrolling for The VET by EHL Professional Diploma programs facilitated by SHMA and awarded by École hôtelière de Lausanne EHL, world’s number one hotel management school. Recently, SHMA also partnered with Nestlé Lanka PLC, as part of its private sector synergies aimed at upskilling young and rising talent in the sector. SHMA also facilitates short course programs aimed at corporates, namely the ‘Corporate Etiquette Excellence’ for HoDs, managers, and front office staff such as PAs and those at the front-desk.

March 10, 2022

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon recently donated new computers and accessories such as UPS units and speakers to the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA), to support the conduct of courses for the Apparel Design Technician (NVQ Level 4) qualification. The courses are offered at 15 VTA centres in 12 districts, and are currently being followed by 300 apprentices. The comprehensive course provides participants with the knowledge and training required to track current fashion trends and predict future trends, sketch new designs, select patterns and fabrics to use in garments and oversee production. In the picture, Commercial Bank’s Group Chief Marketing Officer and Trustee of the Bank’s CSR Trust Mr Hasrath Munasinghe (third from right) presents one of the computers to the Chairman of the VTA Mr Eranga Basnayake (second from right) in the presence of officials of the two institutions.

November 17, 2021

Colombo, Friday 12^th November 2021: The Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA), under the State Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research & Innovation and Barista Coffee Lanka (Pvt) Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the 5^th November 2021 to commence the first ever nationally recognized “Barista Training Program” with the presence of the Hon. State Minister Dr. Seetha Arambepola, Chairman/ CEO VTA Eranga Basnayake, Director General Chulangani Perera, CEO of Barista Coffee Lanka (Pvt) Ltd Dilupa Pathirana, and Head of Skill Development at Barista Damith Dalawella.

Being a barista is a different art form which has been mastered over the years globally and locally. The coffee market in Sri Lanka has itself grown to a new level over the past 10 years. Barista is today the largest café chain in Sri Lanka and is a brand with a clear vision. It is these factors that led the VTA to join hands with Barista to introduce this ground-breaking training program to build a better future for many youngsters in Sri Lanka.

The training is a full-time program which covers 80 hours of theory and 900 hours of practical training conducted by the Head of Training and Skills Development at Barista Coffee Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. The minimum qualification required to apply for this training program is having sat for either the local or London ordinary level examination. Furthermore, Barista has decided to give a special allowance to all the participants of this course while the entire training program has been offered for free. All practical sessions are to be covered at Barista Coffee outlets while theory sessions will be at VTA, Narahenpita. Applications for the first batch are now open. The first batch will commence training on 6^th of December 2021 marking another milestone for the coffee industry in Sri Lanka.

“Being able to create globally recognized baristas is a major win for the country as we will be able to fill the universal gap of baristas on an international scale. Beyond everything the true space and recognition will be given to the baristas in Sri Lanka with this certification from VTA, as Barista Coffee Company is also willing to recruit the top performers of the training program. The certification will be done only after several rounds of examinations on both theory and practical thereby raising the bar to a higher level. The VTA and Barista is fully focused on conducting this partnership project in the highest quality”, said Head of Skill Development at Barista Damith Dalawella.

March 18, 2021

March 18 2021, Colombo: In partnership with the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA), Facebook has launched a series of training sessions to help Sri Lankans upskill their digital capabilities. The initiative is a part of Facebook’s flagship We Think Digital program, and has been designed with the objective to help the vocational sector understand the digital landscape better and equip students with skills to build successful careers.

Through the “Train the Trainer” program, close to 1,300 VTA trainers will receive training and in turn, they will teach students on topics such as changes in digital landscape, e-learning, online content creation, digital tools for businesses, and responsible digital citizenship. VTA trains 40,000 students annually; this platform will help impart critical knowledge to them as they prepare for the digital age.

Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of the launch of the program. Addressing the youth, he said, “This new chapter that you are about to begin will help you emerge victorious tomorrow. The advisory board of the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka is committed towards moulding you into individuals with technical knowledge well-suited to the modern world. Through this initiative of Facebook, you are presented with the opportunity to use technology and become the new entrepreneurs of tomorrow, irrespective of where you live or work. You can earn a high income, generate foreign exchange, and thereby strengthen the country’s economy as patriotic Sri Lankans.”

The Vocational Training Authority was founded by the Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa in 1996 when he was the Minister of Labour and Vocational Training. He congratulated VTA and Facebook on the partnership and extended his best wishes.

Prof. G. L. Peiris, the Hon. Minister of Education, also sent a message thanking Facebook for supporting this national cause. He further said that developing digital skills is one of the highest priorities of the current government.

Dr. Seetha Arambepola, State Minister of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and Innovation shared her appreciation for the initiative.

The program was launched through a virtual event, which was attended by several distinguished participants.

Damitha Wickramasinghe, Chairman of VTA explained, “The Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka strives to make vocational training more accessible to the country’s youth. To achieve this aim, we need to find effective ways to attract participants. We believe our partnership with Facebook will empower students to transform their outlook with the right tools and knowledge that they can leverage on digital platforms. Youth are the nation’s future and VTA is keen to explore new pathways to create opportunities for a brighter future.”

Findings from a recent Facebook and Deloitte study titled “Deloitte Digital Tools in Crisis and Recovery Report” revealed that 70% consumers who switched to new small businesses reported that social media helped them to discover these new small businesses, indicating the valuable role that social media can play in highlighting products and services with minimum cost. It also shows that 66% of consumers have done more communication with businesses via social media or digital tools since COVID-19 and reported that they found Facebook important for communicating with businesses.

Explaining further, Yasas Vishuddhi Abeywickrama, Policy Programs Manager for Sri Lanka at Facebook said, “Digital skills are crucial for all our citizens as the use of digital platforms is broadening in our country. Aligned with the government’s priority for a digital Sri Lanka, Facebook has committed to empowering Sri Lankans with the necessary digital literacy skills in partnership with VTA. More and more people are joining the digital workforce, whether to learn, teach or establish a business – and we want to equip them with the necessary skills to succeed.”

This launch is a continuation of Facebook’s commitment to upskill Sri Lankans in both digital literacy and digital citizenship. Last year, Facebook launched We Think Digital, a nationwide digital literacy program that aims to develop skills that enable Sri Lankans to create a positive and safe culture online.

‘Skill Force’ fourth phase sponsored by Melwa successfully held in Nuwara-Eliya

PLC empowers deserving youth by offering “Haritha Nena” vocational scholarships

SHMA and VTA Sri Lanka signs MoU to implement a Swiss-designed learning curriculum

ComBank supports VTA’s Apparel Technician Course with donation of computers

Global Recognition for “Baristas” from VTA together with BARISTA

Facebook partners with VTA to launch digital skills training program in Sri Lanka