The Virtual Learning Frontier: Third Space Global employs online tutors from Sri Lanka to teach UK s

Tom Hooper, Founder and CEO of Third Space Learning and Roshan Nilaweera, CEO of Third Space Global at the opening ceremony of Third Space Global (TSG)

Third Space Global, a UK owned BOI approved company, opened its new regional headquarters at Orion City, Colombo 9 on 13 September. The company has grown to over 200 staff since it began operations in September 2015. The new facility marks a milestone for the CEO and British-born Sri Lankan Roshan Nilaweera, who has ambitious plans to create 1000s of jobs for young Sri Lankans to engage in the global digital economy. For the opening, Roshan was joined by Tom Hooper, the Founder and CEO of Third Space Learning, the London based parent company. 

Third Space Learning is building the world’s first global and scalable teaching network of highly trained online tutors supported by cutting edge technology. Third Space Learning offers the largest network of one-on-one Math tuition in the UK. In the last four years, the company has worked with 16,000 children across 600 schools, delivering 200,000+ teaching hours. It achieves this by recruiting young and intelligent Sri Lankans. Before they begin, they undergo an intensive training programme on the newest teaching techniques and how to use our Third Space technology to deliver results for children we work with. 

Third Space Global employs over 200 early 20 year olds - for most this is their first job. Many had never considered a teaching career, but Third Space Global is not your typical education IT company. Staff receives excellent training, designed by the resident international staff, and enjoy early promotion opportunities due to the rapid expansion. The new office provides an excellent training, working and recreational facilities which contribute to building a happy working environment and culture. 

Before joining Third Space, Roshan Nilaweera was a Math and ICT teacher who studied a MEng in Computer Science. Roshan spent most of his life living and working in the UK but chose to immigrate to Sri Lanka to set up the main regional office of Third Space Global in order to create employment and training opportunities for young Sri Lankans whilst helping to contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic development. Roshan believes there are many other non-resident Sri Lankans like him, who under the right conditions, would also love to return to Sri Lanka to help create jobs and contribute to economic development. 

Whilst Third Space is a purely export company, it is also keen to support education in Sri Lanka through its innovative CSR programs. For the past six weeks Third Space has been running a free eLearing Hub program from their office and has welcomed 800 visits by 8-16 year olds. Unlike a school or a tuition centre, young learners receive a quick orientation and then set about managing their own learning schedules as they work with free online eLearning programmes. TSG staff is on hand to provide a helping hand but always ensure that learners develop autonomy and independent thinking and problem solving skills.

Third Space Global plans to provide a free toolkit so this eLearning Program model can be replicated by other companies opening their offices to learners nationwide. The company also plans to launch free teaching and learning workshops next summer to support teacher training across the nation. They are already in discussion with potential partners but welcome others interested in partnering with them on this venture. 

Third Space Learning is projected to grow 200% over the next 24 months as it expands to new markets and geographies. This will result in, Third Space Global creating another 250 jobs and opening new offices across Sri Lanka. Roshan believes Third Space Global is an exciting statement of the innovation and development that Sri Lanka is capable of. 

Find Third Space Global at: https://thirdspaceglobal.com/.