INSEE Cement, the Southeast Asia building materials giant, has signed a tripartite agreement with Sri Lanka’s National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) and the country’s National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) to launch Sri Lanka’s pioneering certified skill and knowledge development program for masons. The agreement was formalised in the presence of Hon. (Dr). Sarath Amunugama, Sri Lankan minister of Science, Technology, Research, Skills Development & Vocational Training and Kandyan Heritage.
In Thailand-headquartered INSEE Cement’s bid to further advance Sri Lanka’s construction industry standards through the development of knowledge and craftsmanship, the program will present a Level 3 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ3) upon successful completion.
“As an authorised qualification, this masonry NVQ3 certificate offers great credibility to the participants, while at the same time creating an opportunity to further their career and education,” stated Dr. Saranga Alahapperuma, chairman of NAITA. “We are excited to roll out the program together with INSEE Cement and NEDA, and hope to continue in similar future endeavours.”
With the signing of this agreement, INSEE Cement will conduct full-day knowledge sharing sessions following a pre-assessment carried out by NAITA at the onset of the training. Multiple sessions will be conducted over the course of one year across Sri Lanka, with new groups of 100 masons identified by NEDA participating at each session covering total of 4,500 masons nationwide.
“Through this authorised NVQ3 qualification, not only are we addressing the skilled labour shortage in Sri Lanka, but we are also ensuring these masons gain job-specific practical training,” stated Jan Kunigk, executive vice president and marketing & sales director of INSEE Cement. “Our overarching objective is to elevate the local construction industry standards by empowering Sri Lankans across the industry, building brighter futures through capacity development.”
As a big regional market player with industry knowledge and expertise accumulated across five decades of operation, INSEE Cement, part of Siam City Cement Public Company Limited (SCCC), will provide top resource personnel with up-to-date insight and information, accelerating the progress of the local labour force towards proficient masonry levels.
Dakshitha Bogollagama, chairman & director general of NEDA, added: “We are thrilled to be part of a great initiative in partnership with INSEE Cement and NAITA, to enable and encourage masons to explore new avenues of income generation through entrepreneurial ventures in construction. We look forward to collaborate with INSEE Cement and NAITA in the future, to continue this revolutionary journey.”
Following the completion of the training, NAITA will conduct a practical assessment for participants by sponsoring the administrative resources and expertise, with INSEE Cement sponsoring all practical material. The successful completion of both training and practical assessment qualifies the participating masons to receive their NVQ3 certification.
