ICTA, NYSC partner to fast-track youth employment in ICT industry

Youth and Sports Minister and Digital Technology and Enterprise Development State Minister Namal Rajapaksa addresses the event (left). National Youth Services Council Chairman General Damitha Wickramasinghe and ICTA Chairman Oshada Senanayake exchange the MoU (right)

The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka yesterday announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Youth Services Council (NYSC) to initiate ‘Lighting Digital Youth BootCamps’. 

The MoU was signed by NYSC Chairman and Director General Damitha Wickramasinghe and ICTA Chairman Oshada Senanayake in the presence of Youth and Sports Minister and Digital Technology and Enterprise Development State Minister Namal Rajapaksa.

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 Boot camp initiative will directly enable 34,000 Sri Lankan youth to be employable in the ICT industry across all Divisional Secretariats via 170 boot camps.

Minister Rajapaksa said: “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 industries 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 Boot Camps 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 in which one can further build a career.” 

ICTA Director Capacity Building Sameera Jayawardena said: “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 customised 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.