ILO, Maga and NAITA hold Construction Craftsmen Certificate Awarding Ceremony

The ceremony for awarding certificates for 100 youth craftsmen who had successfully completed the 6 month long Construction Craftsmen training programme, was held in December last year, at the Auditorium of the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training. 

The programme was an initiative of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, in collaboration with the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training, the National Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), and the Tertiary and Vocational 
Education Commission.

Following an open call from all districts, the participants were screened based on their aptitude, provided with theoretical lectures, and practical on-the-job training sessions over a period of six months.

The training programme was conducted at two project sites of Maga Engineering — NSBM Green University Town, Homagama, and Fairway City Hotel, Colombo 01, in order to facilitate on-the-job training, under experienced and qualified construction industry experts. During the ceremony the participants were also able to obtain a recognized National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) accredited by the Tertiary and Vocational 
Education Commission.

Addressing the ceremony, Secretary to the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training, P. Ranepura said “The Government has embarked on a program of rapid social and economic transformation, and we welcome participations and support extended to us by responsible corporate citizens. This public-private partnership is exemplary of what we can achieve working together. The labour force not only needs theoretical education, but practical skills as well in order to present themselves to the commercial world. I am sure with the skills gained from this training programme, these youth will make a positive contribution to the nation’s economy.”

Also addressing the event, ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Donglin Li highlighted that the training programme not only provides decent employment opportunities, but also a sense of respect, social importance, and acceptance to the youth. “We certainly hope to take this sustainable model to other industries in the years to come,” he added. 

Commenting on the programme, Chairman & Managing Director of Maga Engineering, M. G. Kularatne said “We recognized the importance of being part of this initiative at a time when the industry is facing a shortage of skilled masons. As such, the training programmes were held at two of our prime construction sites and experienced employees were allocated to mentor the trainees.”