Train-the-Trainers 2nd course certified according to German vocational training standards of DIHK

Train-the-Trainer course certificate holders

The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka), in cooperation with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and Goethe-Institut Sri Lanka, has coordinated and certified the 2nd ‘AdA International Basic – Train-the-Trainers’ course. 

The course was conducted by ISO-certified trainer Edwin Lemke, from 24 to 29 February, thereby further supporting companies in Sri Lanka to adopt a more industry-driven vocational training approach and advancing TVET overall in Sri Lanka.

The training course was designed for trainers, mentors, as well as TVET teachers and HR and training managers, who are interested to obtain a certified qualification as an in-company trainer. A crucial element for successful on-the-job training is the qualification and ability of the trainer, as he or she is at the core of imparting relevant skills and knowledge to the trainees or staff learning a new profession. Trainers must be on solid footing, professionally and pedagogically, to inspire enthusiasm in young people and to ensure they learn the right skills for the job. 

In Germany, the trainer qualification is ensured through the ‘Regulation for Trainer Aptitude’ (AEVO), and the relevant skills and knowledge are implemented via the so called ‘AdA Training’ (Ausbildung der Ausbilder – Train the Trainer). The assessment and issuing of the AdA certificates to successful trainers in Germany is done by the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHK). AHK Sri Lanka, as the official representatives of the German chambers in Sri Lanka, offers the AdA Training and examination, which is internationalised and based on standards set by the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK).

The 12 participants in the AdA training in February acquired basic knowledge of the core areas of Dual Vocational Training (industry-driven in-company training as practiced in Germany) and different learning styles, as well as the skills to design, prepare and conduct effective on-the-job training sessions – with the help of specific instruction techniques and methods to break to complex tasks – for their companies’ trainees and new staff. The training was carried out by Edwin Lemke, an experienced ISO-certified trainer in this field, who makes use of an optimising and activating method mix.  After the training, the participants had to pass a multiple-choice examination as well as a practical test, including an expert discussion with the AHK Sri Lanka AdA Examination Board. Only examinees who passed both exams receive the German certificate. 

The training was well-received by participants from companies such as Dimo, Nikini, INSEE, Wurth, as well as participants from the Coastline Foundation and TVEC in Maldives.

AHK Sri Lanka, in cooperation with GIZ and trainer Edwin Lemke are currently working on an ‘AdA Advanced’ training, as a follow up course. The training will be conducted, most likely during the period September to November 2020, as a blended learning format, with online modules via webinar, as well as three days on-site training with Lemke in Sri Lanka.

The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) is part of the German Chamber Network abroad of more than 140 offices around the world. The Delegations of German Industry and Commerce represent the interests of German businesses in their partner countries. One interest of a fruitful and sustainable bilateral cooperation is vocational education and training, hence AHK Sri Lanka is actively working on expanding its activities – besides the already existing AdA Training, certification of DIMO’s three-year Automobile Mechatronics Training and the VET Council – to support industry-driven in-company vocational training in Sri Lanka.