In line with its objective of developing Vocational Education in Sri Lanka, DIMO, a leading diversified conglomerate, has ventured into manufacturing training equipment via its vocational education arm, the DIMO Academy for Technical Skills (DATS).

It recently completed a project for Sri Lanka German Training Institute in Kilinochchi (SLGTI), funded by GIZ. The project involved the supply of cutaway models of a wide range of gearboxes including hybrid and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which caters to automobile related courses. Working automobile climate control and gasoline fuel injection simulators along with a special tabletop wheel alignment parameter simulator were also supplied for this project. Technical data, user manuals and operational training were provided as well.

In addition to training equipment for automobile training courses, DATS also provides training equipment for the building services field.

DATS entered the training equipment manufacturing realm in Sri Lanka as training models and simulators, most of which are European, are extremely costly which limits the practical sessions in the vocational training courses. While there are cheaper options available, the quality and finish are not on par with global standards. As such, DATS, with its expertise and access to the latest technology, now offers customized training solutions to local institutes.

A leader in the Vocational Education Training (VET) sector over the last 30 years, DATS has attained great experience developing its own training facilities with the latest industry developments and on par with international standards. As the provider of German Dual VET, DATS has always lived up to the high standards of German craftsmanship.

Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman & Managing Director of DIMO, said “Vocational Education is vital to the development of country’s economy, and it is a part of DIMO’s sustainability agenda which is a significant step in our efforts to continue fuelling the dreams and aspirations of the communities we serve in.”

With its long-term vision for the nation and its youth, DATS hopes to continue promoting its capabilities to VET institutes, universities, and schools as a provider of high quality, highly customizable training aggregates, at a considerably lower cost in comparison to those that are imported.

Over the years, DATS has offered multiple training programmes to a variety of clientele on a wide range of topics to elevate vocational education standards. In terms of training the trainers and instructors, DATS recently hosted a programme for the SLGTI for the second time and hosted another for the Ceylon-German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI) in Moratuwa, for the first time. The training programmes include providing up-to-date knowledge to the instructors in the latest automotive technology together with new teaching techniques & tools. Technical areas covered include Occupational Health & Safety, Diesel Engine Management, Petrol Engine Management, Automatic Transmission, Suspension Systems, and Air Conditioning systems. The training sessions were conducted by instructors from DATS Colombo and Jaffna, with the support of DIMO’s very own Health & Safety Officer. DATS constantly updates the training syllabus by focusing on the latest developments, in order to ensure international standards for the valued local students.

There is an immense potential amongst a considerable portion of the nation's population for the development of skilled individuals to assist in reviving the local economy. Additionally, the potential of exporting skilled workforce to gain foreign remittances is greatly enhanced.

The DATS, currently located in Colombo and Jaffna, was established in 1990 in collaboration with Daimler AG Germany, with the aim of providing world-class vocational training in the automotive sector. In 2018, DATS partnered with the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka to offer German certified vocational qualifications in Sri Lanka. DATS has continued to further broaden its horizons by offering qualifications in other sectors as well. The most recent addition was the Diploma in Plant Engineering for Sanitary Heating and Air Conditioning (PESHA), which was recognized as “German Dual Vocational Training Abroad” (Category A qualification) by the Nuremberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK).

Vocational education is vital to the development of country’s economy

Image Captions: Representatives of DIMO, GIZ, SLGTI and CGTTI at the training equipment handing over event.