SLFEB and VTA ink MOU to increase skills of migrant workers

• Eight training facilities to be setup
• Focus on improving language proficiency along with training
• Island-wide awareness program to be launched to set up job bank

In an effort to expedite the generation of skilled labour from migrants workers, the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA).

The MOU was signed on behalf of the VTA by its Chairman Damith Wickramasinghe and SLEB Chairman Kamal Ratwatte.

These two institutes are the two major government agencies that generate skilled labourers and engage in overseas employment, in line with the President’s manifesto ‘Vistas of Prosperity’.

According to the Government Information Department’s statement, under the MoU between SLFEB and VTA, eight training facilities would be setup to conduct training programs in the fields of construction, automobile, welding and care-giving. The trainees will undergo language proficiency programs to eliminate challenges in communication, it said.

“With the training, Sri Lankans can apply for higher paying job opportunities in foreign countries that will help them to earn more, which will eventually contribute to the country’s development,” it added.

It further said that the SLFEB and VTA would conduct island-wide awareness programs to provide career advice to the youth on emerging employment opportunities in foreign countries. Along with the island-wide awareness programs, a job bank will be set up to gather information regarding the youth.