Sysco Labs strengthens Sri Lanka’s IT talent pipeline

Sysco Labs successfully concluded another cycle of the ‘Industry Reconnaissance & Engagement Program’ in partnership with the University of Moratuwa recently.

Sysco Labs is the captive innovation centre for Sysco, the world’s largest foodservice company, and has a rich history of working with Sri Lankan universities to enhance the knowledge and skills of IT students and undergraduates.

The Industry Reconnaissance & Engagement program is an intensive 15-week module which offers batches of students from the university a comprehensive understanding of IT-related businesses, their functionalities, and components. 10 participants from the University of Moratuwa spent 15 weeks in immersive sessions at Sysco Labs, learning to evaluate and analyse business activities and decisions, gaining insights into the diverse technologies employed by the company.

University of Moratuwa Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Information Technology Head of Department Prof. Thanuja Sandanayake said, “Level 1 undergraduate students following the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Information Technology and Management degree program had a great experience at Sysco Labs for 15 weeks. The events and workshops organised and delivered by experts have provided an invaluable platform for our young undergraduates to explore the industry and gain practical insights into the field of Information Technology. The collaborative effort between the Faculty of Information Technology and Sysco Labs created a unique learning experience for the students that will undoubtedly shape their future. I am thankful to team Sysco Labs for their untiring efforts in making the future of these young students a better and brighter one.”

During the 15 weeks at Sysco Labs, the students were provided with practical corporate experience as well as comprehensive coursework which exposed them to the organisational culture of the company while also giving them insight into industry processes such as technical project reviews. The program’s approach is designed to instil confidence and familiarity in a corporate environment, paving the way for potential internships and future employment opportunities. Sysco Labs colleagues mentored the students sharing their expertise under various technical topics.

Sysco Labs People Operations Director Rehan Anthonis speaking about the program and the need to provide work environment exposure to students, emphasised the significance of nurturing Sri Lanka’s tech talent for the industry’s growth and the country’s economic advancement.

“The ICT industry has grown as a significant export sector for the nation because of the immense talent available in the country. To sustain this growth, we need to keep generating skilled, high-quality local talent if we are to truly establish the country as a global IT hub. Sysco Labs recognises its responsibility in shaping the future of IT by empowering university students through initiatives like the Industry Reconnaissance & Engagement program. As a key industry player, we are committed to cultivating a robust ecosystem that can provide global exposure and opportunities to our future tech talent.”

With innovation at its core, Sysco Labs fosters a culture of learning, collaboration, and mentorship, ensuring that the next generation of talent is equipped with the necessary skills and insights to thrive in the tech industry. The company has long-term relationships with leading universities across the island and works to enhance the skills and capabilities of aspiring tech talent who will take the industry forward.