Sri Lanka’s youth focused-telco, Airtel Lanka, recently partnered with the College of Technology, Galle (COT, Galle) to support a new generation of tech-experts and entrepreneurs with learning and development in both technical and soft skills.

Through the partnership, Airtel Lanka will be providing 30 students from COT, Galle’s junior and senior batches with access to training and skills development, as well as new computers and equipment. Airtel will also be offering student’s real world experience through the establishment of a 6-12 month paid internship programme for the best and brightest final year students.

“Like many countries across the globe, Sri Lanka is facing a period of deep economic uncertainty. It is exactly these kind of moments in which all corporates must rally together in order optimize productivity, and uncover new opportunities for growth. We believe that the ICT and telco sector have an instrumental role to play in catalyzing this recovery.” Airtel Sri Lanka Managing Director/CEO, Ashish Chandra stated.

Ashish further stated, “To succeed, we need to train young Sri Lankans and equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to excel in these fields. This in turn will give rise to a new paradigm in rapid, decentralized economic development and job creation, across Sri Lanka. Our partnership with the College of Technology, Galle is another significant milestone in this vital journey,”

Leveraging Airtel’s existing relationships with strategic business partners like Huawei, students will also be provided with technical training on data communication, microwave installation and configuration, and BSS Networks. Additionally, COT, Galle’s graduates will also receive soft skills training and mentoring on the professional journey of telco engineers, personal brand building, expectations when entering the corporate world and practical advice on facing interviews, as well as opportunities to visit the Airtel Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) at Maligawatta to get a hands-on experience with core operational aspects of the telco industry.

Photo Caption: Team Airtel lends its support to students and teachers of College of Technology, Galle, with launch of internship programme and donation of computer equipment