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Friday, 9 March 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shannon Jayawardena
Daikin Air-conditioning India recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Vocational Training, providing a $ 5 million worth HVAC/air-conditioning lab as a part of the Skill Sri Lanka Initiative.
Daikin India which is a subsidiary of Daikin Industries in Japan is the leading innovator and provider of advanced, high-quality air conditioning solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The lab donated by them is known as the Daikin Center of Excellence (CoE) and is to provide a platform for students to develop their skills in the industry.
Country Manager Daikin Rajesh Nagpal said: “We are privileged to take this unique initiative forwarded as far as Sri Lanka is concerned. I remember around six-eight months ago, I accidentally met the Sri Lankan Minister of Vocational training so it came to my awareness that a lot of people here drop out of school after the 10th grade. We must give these students better requirements and better skills in their lives. That’s how this idea came about.”
“This partnership is aimed at upgrading air-conditioning training courses to international standards. We are committed towards excellence in technology and quality and this initiative will provide a platform to the students to enhance their skills and get access to world class training in air-conditioning,” he added.
Having identified skill development as a challenge in Sri Lanka, Daikin is at the forefront with government and educational institutes to develop industry relevant skills in students and make them more employable.
The CoE is equipped with the latest technologies, working models and study material for the faculty, students will be able to gain skills as per international standards that will in turn improve these students ability to perform and their employability abilities.
University of Vocational Technology Vice Chancellor G.L.D. Wickremesinghe stated: “I would like to thank Rajesh for initiating this program. I think it is a very important initiative because this is first in Sri Lanka and it identifies the importance of sustainable air-conditioning systems in Sri Lanka. We are also aiming at turning this university in to a green university, so this initiative will greatly contribute towards this goal of us.”
With this aim the brand will share its training resources with the institute. Deserving students may be placed in the company itself or with the Daikin dealers and will be benefitted through internships, live projects and fixed term employment contract and so forth.
