A special initiative by NAITA and Holcim Sanstha in partnership with the North Western Provincial Council 

The National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) together with Holcim (Lanka) launched the ‘Nipunatha Abisheka’ programme today, as the initial platform to produce certified construction technicians in the country. The special initiative held in partnership with the North Western Provincial Council gave focus to the skills development and training for youth under the guidance of the Minister of Youth Affairs and Skills Development, Dullas Allahapperuma and Chief Minister of the North Western Province, Dayasiri Jayasekara.

The one-day programme was held at the Maligapitya Sports Complex in 65 special assessment establishments within the sports complex where over 500 selected construction technicians followed an assessment test to obtain the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) to become certified construction technicians. The programme regulated and conducted by 60 experienced supervisors was held for the first time in Sri Lanka, where the participants received an opportunity to be introduced to the special NVQ-RPL methodology.

Construction technicians were assessed in areas such as brick laying, plastering, plaster decoration, floor tiling, floor cementing, stone laying and health and safety policies required to follow during masonry and construction work. In addition, the families of the participants received an opportunity to witness their work during the programme. On the completion of the programme, 10 of the best construction technicians were rewarded for excellence while all other participants who had successfully completed the programme received a certification of recognition for their skill and ability.

The participants received a valuable tool kit with the necessary instruments for masonry and construction courtesy of Holcim (Lanka) along with a t-shirt, following which a musical show was held in celebration of the completion of the special assessment programme.

To further ensure their long-term career progress within the construction industry, participants of the programme were provided an opportunity to become members of the Holcim Concrete society, which would enable them to further develop their knowledge, skills and to learn more about health and safety policies. NAITA and Holcim have already entered a new agreement to produce 5000 more certified construction technicians by 2016.

The ‘Nipunatha Abhisheka’ programme gave special focus to building homes for which Holcim offered its technological expertise in construction, while those who wished to enter the industry newly received an opportunity to register with NAITA and obtain essential information for construction skill development and career progress.

The North Western Provincial Council contributed to the initiative by selecting the suited construction technicians for the programme as part of a strategy to further develop the area through the specialisation of construction and skill development. The Chief Minister of the North Western Province commented that the North Western Province is expected to make the biggest contribution to the construction industry in the country and potentially overseas. 

The Minister of Skill Development and Youth Affairs Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma speaking at the occasion stated, “The construction industry is one of the most vital areas of labour specialisation in the country, and therefore it is imperative that we produce highly skilled technicians in this field. I thank Holcim (Lanka) and NAITA for their generous contribution to the industry through this initiative, and I commend the Chief Minister of the North Western Province for his valuable contribution by including these constructional technicians to this programme.”

NAITA Chairman Mr. Chandana Arunadewa sharing his views on the occasion stated that it was an opportune time to partner with Holcim (Lanka) in an initiative such as the ‘Nipunatha Abhisheka’ so as to meet the growing demand for certified construction technicians in Sri Lanka, and that by doing so the country would become a unique example to all.

Meanwhile CEO of Holcim (Lanka), Mr. Philippe Richart stated that Holcim (Lanka) had built a strong relationship with construction technicians as they worked closely with the organisation, and as a result Holcim considers it its duty to support professionals in the industry who often have the valuable expertise and skills but not the qualifications to push for further progress. To keep to its promise, Holcim partnered with NAITA on a previous occasion granting the NVQ qualification to 1800 construction technicians in the North and East. 

Photo caption: Commending the contribution towards the successful launch of 'Nipunatha Abisheka' Minister of the North Western Province, Dayasiri Jayasekara on behalf of NAITA handing over a token of appreciation to Chief Executive Officer of Holcim Lanka - Philippe Richart.