Würth signs MoU with VTA to support entrepreneurship of Sri Lankan craftsmen

Würth Lanka and German Development Bank DEG/KfW yesterday inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance the training capacities of Vocational Training Authority (VTA) trainers and to establish a training facility for the Technipreneurs Lanka PPP (public-private-partnership) training.

VTA Chairman Damitha Wickramesinghe and Würth Lanka Country Manager Rohan Amirthiah signed the MoU. 

Technipreneurs Lanka PPP was co-founded by Würth Lanka and German Development Bank DEG/KfW within the frame of Rs. 60 million.

Technipreneurs Lanka is a pilot project to uplift electricians, plumbers, and air condition technicians and thereby create skilled and economically independent craftsmen for Sri Lanka. The project aim is to recognise the importance and to increase the professionalism and entrepreneurship of craftsmen.

The VTA will be a partner of the project, providing valuable facilities for the training, as well as VTA trainers to be trained on the Technipreneurs course content, for long-term sustainability of the project.

There is an increasing demand for professional craftsmen such as electrical, mechanical, air-conditioning, plumbing, carpentry, welding, aluminium, and general fabrication, and fitters. However, the provided services, while executed by experienced workers, are often delivered in a manner which lacks the necessary standards for proper business conduct. 

With the increased number of residential apartments, thousands of high-end apartments are currently in the finishing stage - there will be even higher pressure to find skilled and professional craftsmen.

The Delegation of Commerce and Industry in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) will be a partner of the project to and be responsible for monitoring and certifying the training according to agreed standards, based on German further training procedures, in regard to entry requirements, examination structure, content, and passing marks. 

AHK-certification is aimed to increase the competitiveness of Sri Lankan craftsman.