UTE Engineering Training Centre partners with Western Province Education Department to promote Susta

Designed to empower children towards a secure future, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education’s national ‘Sustainable School Program’ promotes the well-being and development of future generations through a series of aligned themes.

As a responsible corporate entity, UTE Engineering Training Centre of United Tractor and EquipmentLtd (UTE) decided to provide opportunities for students to develop technical skills and enhance career prospects by partnering with the Western Province Education Department.

With the guidance and advice of Western Province Education Director Vimal Gunarathna and aligned under the ‘Child Protection’ theme of the Sustainable School Program, UTE Engineering recently hosted educators at its state-of-the-art training centre, demonstrating its own concept and capabilities in offering free full-day workshops to create awareness of the value of its training facility to all G. C. E. A/L students studying ‘Engineering technology’ as a subject.

Commenting on this initiative, UTEChairmanPrasan Fernando said:“As knowledge gained by students tends to be primarily theoretical and with little access to practical concepts applicable to real-world scenarios, our sophisticated training centre is the ideal venue for students to gain a balanced understanding in the engineering technology field. Collaborating with the Western Provincial Department of Education, UTEEngineering Training Centre is now a partner in helping future generations build their skills.”  UTE General Manager – Product Support Services Aravinda Jayasekera officially welcomed the participants on behalf of the company in the presence of senior management and other personnel. Attending the awareness program were representatives of more than 50 schools in the Western province and senior officials of the Education Department. UTE staff conducted several presentations during the eventto showcase the structure and value of the proposed program and modules to be covered.

Awareness was created on the valuable opportunities afforded to students through the workshops such as hands-on experience on the practical aspects of engine systems, hydraulics, introduction to electrical components, etc.

All participants were also provided an opportunity to view and tour UTE’s sophisticated equipment for engine performance monitoring, failure analysis and modern facilities including its engine workstations, a dozer, thecomputer room and hydraulic laboratory.

Previously, UTE Engineering has,on its own initiative, invited a few schools from the Western Province on field visits to its training centre and the benefits to over 120 students who attended these sessions were also demonstrated to the educators present. 

Students who attend the sessions will receive an informative booklet of the day’s program and throughout the visit, have access to UTE Engineering experts and sophisticated machines enabling a rich hands-on experience. 

Addressing the gathering, Western Provincial Department of EducationAssistant Director of EducationMahinda Kodithuwakku said: “It is vital that we look at the skills children have and their interest towards future prospects. I commend UTE for providing such opportunities to our children and creating awareness of the potential of this field.”

Key architect of the program, UTE Head of Training Gayan Maldeniya, noted: “As industry pioneers, it is our duty to help the future generation understand the industry and pursue career prospects. Through this program, our main aim is to provide students an understanding about the industry, the opportunities available and how they can build their own lives. We are appreciative of the efforts of the Western Provincial Department of Education in helping us further this cause.”

Schools in the Western Province which offer ‘Engineering technology’ as a subject and are keen for students to attend the free workshops are requested to contact UTE officials on 0773095175 for additional information or any queries about the program.