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

The second phase of the successful ‘Nipunatha Abisheka’, organised in partnership with the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) and Holcim (Lanka) Ltd, was recently launched in Matara, in the presence of Hon. Dallas Allaperuma, Minister of Youth Affairs & Skills Development. The event which took place at the Sanath Jayasuriya Stadium in Matara witnessed over 700 construction technicians in the second phase of the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) certificate assesment. Over 100 experienced construction supervisors were present at the venue to conduct the programme, making the event probably the largest assement programme in Sri Lanka to be held in one day, in one location.

Aimed at developing the skill levels and personal growth of construction technicians in the country, this collaboration was inaugurated in Kurunegala a few months with the intension of extending the programme countrywide.

Commenting on the successful launch of the second phase of ‘Nipunatha Abisheka’, Mr. Asela Iddawela, Vice President - External Affairs and Sustainable Development of Holcim Lanka said “As one of the leading cement conglomarates in the world and in Sri Lanka, we are in constant collaboration with construction professionals and technicians to uplift the standard of the product as well as their delivery of services. As a responsible corporate, we at Holcim (Lanka) Ltd strongly believes it is our duty to help these individuals who have years of experience but lack the necessary certification to flourish in their chosen field. Today, we have successfully cetified a total of 1200 construction technicians in Kurunegala and Matara with the National Vocational Qualification Certificate under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme of the NVQ framework. Our partnership with NAITA  over the years have helped us train over 1800 youth in attaining the NVQ certification in the North and East.”

As a result of this novel initiative, individuals engaged in construction livelihoods can now acquire the NVQ certificate and receive recognition for competencies developed through prior informal work. An encouraging feature of the second stage was the presence of masons, electrical technicians and plumbers and beauticians among the participants.

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, 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 aims to produce 5000 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. 

Photo caption: Minister of Youth Affairs & Skills Development Dallas Allaperuma speaking at the inauguration of the second phase of the ‘Nipunatha Abisheka’ in Matara and some among the over 700 construction technicians who participated