Human skill and creativity cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence. The biggest demand in the world now is for skills that are combined with competency-based education. Now there is ChatGPT and other sources for the youngsters to gain knowledge on varied subjects, provided they know the language, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe told the ceremony held at JAT Holdings, Thalawathugoda to offer certificates and employment placements to the first batch of trainees who completed the Wood Technology (furniture) NVQ Level 4 program at the Moratuwa Advanced Institute of Wood Technology on July 16.
“We have identified skill-based businesses that emphasize competitive advantage and carve a niche because the value of crafts skills cannot be replaced. To rejuvenate the crafts sector, we need to offer government’s support and seek private sector expertise. The NVQ program implemented jointly by the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority, the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and the private sector, is a good example for such collaboration,” he said.
Twenty-one students who successfully completed the program were awarded with NVQ Level 4 certificates along with employment opportunities. The Deputy Minister further stated that one of the main reasons vocational training programs became ineffective in the past was their failure to align with actual market needs.
“Sri Lankan entrepreneurs must aim at joining global markets and the value-chain. The biggest asset Sri Lanka has is human resources and we need to develop that with programs like NVQ. Our duty should be to develop the skills of our youth and to let them cater to the global markets. Vocational training should be aligned with market demand thus we revamp NVQ programs now to fulfil this need.
The youth should be offered with choices to develop their career path. They should decide whether to become corporates or entrepreneurs after being endowed with skilled-based education that goes hand-in-hand with work experience.
The new education reforms will offer Grade nine students to decide on pursuing skills-based vocational pathways according to their talents and interests. This initiative will groom students to become professionals in varied fields who can rub shoulders with the global markets”, he said.
JAT Holdings General Manager of Industrial Sales, Chaminda Gulawita said, the first batch of NVQ students will be persuaded to pursue their education to the degree level while being employed in companies.
Source: Daily News
