Indo-German Chamber of Commerce launches Sri Lanka Vocational Education and Training Network

Since the 1950s Vocational Education and Training (VET) has been a key area in the bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and Germany. The key pillar of a state-of-the-art VET system remains the active involvement of industry. Therefore, the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) with its Sri Lanka Desk and Vocational Education and Training Department, under the patronage of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Colombo and with the support of the Sri Lanka Germany Business Council joined with representatives of the private industry, training institutes and the Government to launch the Sri Lanka Vocational Education and Training Network on 4 October.

The multi-faceted event touched upon several aspects of VET initiatives and activities in Germany and Sri Lanka and how both countries can cooperate more closely in this matter in the future. The event was inaugurated under the auspices of Minister of Skills Development and Vocational Training Mahinda Samarasinghe. Thereafter, IGCC Deputy Director General Peter Deubet gave a short introduction of the German Dual VET system and the benefits it has for companies and trainees in Germany as well as in Sri Lanka. Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Jörn Rohde highlighted the importance of having a skilled labour market and thereby, the positive long-term effects the VET can have on the local economy. Ambassador Rohde went on to say, “In today’s knowledge based economy I believe strongly that one of the key aspects of attaining economic prosperity is to have a skilled workforce.” 

IGCC President Hubert Reilard shared his positive experiences with German Vocational Education in his globally operating company, which benefits from a better skilled workforce due to training being provided according to the company’s needs, thereby a lower attrition rate. Furthermore, Benjamin Leiphold, Head of International Projects at the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) Berlin, added that his organisation receives many inquiries of the iconic German Dual VET from the other countries and can provide many case studies. IGCC Head of Vocational Education and Training Judith Evers presented the results of a survey on VET conducted among German companies in Sri Lanka in order to highlight the status quo of Vocational Education and Training in Sri Lanka.

The main feature of the event was a lively discussion and exchange amongst all the delegates representing the government, industry, vocational schools and chamber organisations. They shared their experiences and challenges within the current VET system in Sri Lanka and discussed on how to cooperate more closely to make VET in Sri Lanka even more purposeful and efficient.

Finally, Sri Lanka and Germany Business Council (SLGBC) President Francis gave the vote of thanks summarising the common wish to take this matter forward with the support of all parties concerned.

The VETnet launch saw the participation of over 40 delegates, which showed that there is a great interest from the different stakeholders in Sri Lanka. 

Pix by Ruwan Walpola