AMW-AFG joins Vocational Training Authority to provide global opportunities for rural youth

With the objective of creating global opportunities for our rural youth, Associated Motorways Ltd. (AMW), the number one automotive company in Sri Lanka with its parent company Al-Futtaim Automotive Group (AFG), UAE and the Vocational Training Authority (VTA) joined hands to set up a state-of-the-art motorcycle and three-wheeler training centre at the Vocational Training Centre premises in Panapitiya, Kalutara. 

This endeavour is expected to provide a platform for talented youth from rural areas to sharpen their skills in two wheeler and three wheeler automobile technology by undergoing a global training curriculum which is to meet international standards. The students will be equipped with the essential skills such as English, computer literacy and other soft skills required for them to work in leading automobile companies in Sri Lanka as well as overseas. 

AMW & AFG has identified that there are professional technicians in rural areas of this country, who are currently lacking the skills set required to meet local and international automobile standards. In order to bridge this gap AMW & AFG has undertaken to provide the students with an internationally recognised curriculum which is developed with the assistance of Al-Futtaim Training Academy in Dubai. Also computers to enhance their computer literacy and latest motor cycles in the Yamaha FZ Version 2 range have been provided by AMW.

The concept and vision for this training centre was initiated by Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe (Minister of Skills Development and Vocational Training), which came to life on 17 March with the inauguration at Panapitiya – Kalutara. The training centre was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Minister of Skills Development and Vocational Training Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Indigenous Medicine, Social Welfare, Probationary, Child Protections and Women Affairs of the Western Province Sumith Lal Mendis, VTA Chairman Major General Gamini Hettiarachchi, AMW Managing Director Samantha Rajapaksa, AFG Director Human Resources Abdul Rahman Saqr, AMW Director Human Resources and Shared Services Kushan Wijewickrama, Al-Futtaim Automotive Academy Automotive Trainer Sarah Drake and other distinguished guests.

The event was marked by the unveiling of a plaque followed by the handing over of three Yamaha motorcycles, donated by AMW Managing Director Samantha Rajapaksa to Minister of Skills Development and Vocational Training Mahinda Samarasinghe. 

Samantha Rajapaksa further emphasised on this venture between AMW and VTA, “AMW being the leading automobile company in Sri Lanka is not focusing only on profit but also to be a great partner in social development. Our main objective of this public private partnership is to draw foreign revenue to the country by sending skilled hands who will be more competent in technical skills, English Language, computer skills and other soft skills to Middle Eastern countries instead sending unskilled labour.” Furthermore the Minister toured around the training premises to gain first-hand knowledge regarding the standard and quality of training facilities.

The students will undergo a six months of theoretical training on three-wheeler and two-wheeler and practical training at AMW premises. Students who excel during the training period and meet the international standards will be absorbed into the AMW and AFG Dubai staff.

The first batch of 22 students commenced their training with the inauguration on 17 March. As per the training requirement, AMW has further helped to establish a computer lab with a donation of two computers and will facilitate with training. AMW will also be supporting in setting up a facility for four wheeler automobile technicians in Boossa – Galle. This facility is currently being designed by AMW for the VTA and will be housing over 150 students. Also this endeavour will support nearly 200 rural youth who will be developed to meet world class motor mechanic standards.