A unique program focused on fast-tracking youth employment into the ICT industry.

The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka announced a           memorandum of understanding between ICTA and The National Youth Services Council to initiate ‘Lighting Digital Youth BootCamps’. The memorandum of understanding was signed on 18th of February, 2022  with Mr. Damitha Wickramasinghe - Director General and Chairman of the National Youth Services Council and Mr. Oshada Senanayake - Chairman of the Information and Communication Technology Agency, in the presence of Hon. Namal Rajapakse - Cabinet Minister of Youth and Sports & State Minister of Digital Technology and Enterprise Development.

The ‘Lighting Digital Youth Bootcamp’ initiative is a unique program devised by the ICTA in collaboration with the National Youth Services Council.  The program will fast-track youth employment into the ICT industry. Youth who successfully undertake the ‘boot camps’ will have the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills via a structured but quick set of targeted programs delivered by eminent professionals in the ICT industry. As a result, the Lighting Digital Youth  Bootcamp initiative will directly enable 34,000 Sri Lankan Youth to be employable in the ICT industry across all Divisional Secretariats via 170 boot camps.

Hon. Namal Rajapakse, Cabinet Minister of Youth and Sports & State Minister of Digital Technology and Enterprise Development, stated, “as the government, we need to promote more entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka, where we can reach global markets through technology. In doing so, technology will be a critical enabler in connecting with international markets. Furthermore, it is envisioned to create more employment opportunities for youth across Sri Lanka. The boot camp         concept with ICTA will enable youth to gain knowledge and employment opportunities at tech companies. The Technology industry is one of the few industry’s that grew during the global pandemic. The technology industry in Sri Lanka has immense potential,  and capacity to flourish.  We are grateful for ICTA for coming up with this concept of Youth Bootcamps and partnering with the National Youth Services Council”.

He further stated, ‘I urge all our youth to use this unique opportunity, which will pave the way for new employment opportunities. Furthermore, it will provide on-the-job training in  different sectors which one can further build a career.”

Commenting on the initiative, Sameera Jayawardena- Director Capacity Building at ICTA stated, “ the Bootcamps will be delivered in three different models. Model one will target youth with basic ICT skills, while model two will target youth who have qualified or follow an NVQ certificate. Finally, model three will target university undergraduates/ graduates or those following  NVQ Level 5 and above.  In addition, participants will gain a wide array of customized training sessions with the participation of all leading ICT Industry associations, including CSSL, BCS, FITIS, and SLASSCOM. Participants will also be assisted in developing a comprehensive profile that will help them head towards a rewarding career in ICT”.

Those interested can register for the Bootcamps by visiting https://youth.lightingdigital.gov.lk.

Photo - ICTA Initiates ‘Lighting Digital Youth BootCamps’ with the National Youth Services Council