DIMO Automobile Training School Apprenticeship Program boosts youth careers in auto industry

Q: How did the Automotive Mechatronics course come into being in the first place?

Ranjith Pandithage: This course is a Vocational Education and Training or VET program that is conduced free of charge with the aim of providing youth with an apprenticeship via DIMO and give them an opportunity to familiarise with auto technology. The apprenticeship is a two year course in which the first year is spent at DATS and the second year comes as a placement for the students to experience a hands-on approach with working at DIMO. DIMO specialises with brands such as TATA, Komatsu and Mercedes-Benz so students are fortunate to enhance their quality of study with the inclusion of the best equipment that is available globally for learning purposes. 

This investment we have been engaged in since 1990 is considered as a social responsibility along the line that our initial aim was to help build our own capacity of employees and relevant people in the field. Today, this qualification is recognised by the immigration services in countries such as New Zealand and Australia, thus paving way for youth to go forward and further their careers and experiences abroad. Today, there are many 

The main reason being that we had a lack of qualified staff in our own company and at the initial stage, we had trainers come down from German Tech. But, we realised that we should still get the best available resources and that is where we decided to get down Ferber who is a very experienced trainer for Mercedes and has been so for nearly 40 years. Currently, former top students who studied at DATS have also embarked on becoming instructors and teaching at our training school and help fortify our students’ abilities and knowledge.

Q: DATS Jaffna was initiated in the year 2010. Can you elaborate on how you went by choosing the Northern Province to venture into?

Ranjith Pandithage: We had always believed in going forward and attaining a position where we would be able to bring the best of knowledge-sharing to not only the North but to the entire country. Right after the civil war ended in 2009, we noticed that the North as it was the most affected needed an essential enhancement especially for the youth there. DIMO became the very first private company to embark on initiating a training school of this calibre and entice youth to take up a course that would help them move forward in terms of a career choice. 

Jobst Ferber: DATS is efficient and abundant in terms of state-of-the-art learning facilities and this establishment not only educates on the elements focused on auto technology but also grooms the student as a person. DATS is entirely focused on technical capacity building and linger on the idea of ‘learning to learn’ which would simply imply that the more you infuse yourself into a learning environment the closer you get to identifying all the elements attributed in the field of auto tech.

Ranjith Pandithage: Today’s focus is elevated towards trying to achieve a white collar job and school kids tend to lean towards choosing a subject such as commerce and arts without prior direction. They simply don’t know where to turn. We need to try and encourage students to explore other angles and the auto trade is no doubt and ever-expanding and demanding segment in today’s global market. 

With Jaffna, it was an unfortunate situation with the after-effects of the war that had ensued for nearly 30 years and youth were at a state where there was a lack of prospects, jobs and many other relevant livelihood issues. We became the first auto company to establish in post-war Jaffna and we enticed youth to come forward and attain an education that would only open more doors for a bright future.

Q: What is the criterion when it comes to applying for this course?

Ranjith Pandithage: DATS in Jaffna and now, in Weliweriya are set to go for the next intake of 20 students each. Up until now, we had 16 students chosen for each school and we realised the great potential that youth can receive from learning at DATS. As DATS Colombo section was previously located at Siyambalape, we transferred it to this new location here at Weliweriya where it is more spacious and well-equipped with all modern technical facilities including the latest E-Class and B-Class cars for practical study and an e-learning centre. We also enhance their ability in the English language.

Gahanath Pandithage: Prospective students are encouraged to apply and are then extensively selected through an examination and interview process so that we can determine their level of knowledge and interest in the field. Another important factor that we should highlight is that we tolerate no favouritism or any special preference when accepting students so influence will not work and we do not encourage it. 

Q: What is the purpose of the DIMO Technical Competency Development Centre?

Jobst Ferber: With the graduation taking place, DIMO also embarked on instigating a special centre that would encompass state-of-the-art learning facilities for the students at DATS and provide them with the right leverage in order to help them achieve a recognised qualification from a fully-fledged environment. This comprises of a workshop and the right attributes to educate youth on the schematics of hybrid technology that is being incorporated into modern automobiles in today’s day and age. 

Ranjith Pandithage: It is important to note that this centre is designed on par with international teaching standards and we are proud to have come to a point where we can contribute socially to a great cause and help elevate the livelihoods of youth in our country. We look forward to find an opportunity to collaborate with interested affiliates of a knowledge centre and hopefully expand in future.