SINGER (Sri Lanka) PLC has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), establishing a strategic collaboration aimed at strengthening technical skills development, providing recognised vocational qualifications and creating apprenticeship opportunities for Sri Lankan youth.

This partnership will combine SINGER’s industry expertise with NAITA’s vocational training and certification capabilities to support the development of a skilled and future-ready technical workforce. The collaboration will facilitate qualifications for SINGER’s existing technical employees through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), while also creating opportunities for young people to receive industry-based training through enterprise-based apprenticeships.

Under the agreement, SINGER’s technical workforce will be provided a pathway to obtain NVQ Level 3 or 4 qualifications through the RPL system, enabling employees with existing industry experience and technical competencies to gain formal recognition for their skills. NAITA will facilitate the required assessments, while SINGER will support its technical workforce through the qualification process.

Commenting on the partnership, Mahesh Wijewardene, Group Managing Director, SINGER Sri Lanka, said, “Developing our people has always been an important part of how we strengthen the business for the future. Through this partnership with NAITA, we are creating an opportunity for our experienced technical employees to gain formal recognition for the skills, while also opening pathways for young people for employment.”

Speaking on the collaboration, H. Abdul Saththar, Chairman, National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), said, “Strong collaboration between vocational training institutions and industry is essential to developing skills that respond to the needs of the workplace. Our partnership with SINGER will enable us to combine structured vocational education and nationally recognised qualifications with practical industry exposure.

The partnership will also enable SINGER and NAITA to recruit, train and assess apprentices through enterprise-based training. NAITA will support the theoretical component of the apprenticeships, complementing the practical industry exposure provided through SINGER.

The initial areas identified under the MOU include electrician, electronic appliances technicians, refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians and servicemen, mobile phone technicians and repairers, and agricultural equipment and machinery mechanics. The partnership also allows additional technical trades to be incorporated based on future requirements agreed upon by both organisations.

The partnership reflects SINGER’s broader commitment to people development and to strengthening the technical capabilities required to support its evolving portfolio of products and services. As well as, SINGER and NAITA to contribute towards developing a stronger pipeline of skilled technical professionals in Sri Lanka.

Photo Caption - Mahesh Wijewardene, Group Managing Director, SINGER Sri Lanka, and H. Abdul Saththar, Chairman, National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), together with representatives of SINGER Sri Lanka and NAITA, exchange the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) following the signing ceremony.