Sri Lanka’s Brandix Group together with Vocational Training Authority to develop skills in the apparel sector
Sri Lanka’s Brandix Group and the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA) has reportedly signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) outlining a collaboration between the two entities to engage in skills development of the apparel sector.
According to reports, the first agreement facilitates the creation of an NVQ Level 5 equivalent qualification for Garment Technicians, which is the first of that level in the Apparel industry. Brandix is to assist the VTA to develop the curriculum and providing training at the Brandix Academy.
The Brandix Academy is a new initiative to unleash the technical and leadership potential of individuals through an unconventional and rigorous learning and development process to improve business outcomes with individual growth. The Academy is to be further cemented with technical support and guidance from the VTA.
Holders of the nationally-accepted NVQ Level 5 qualifications may apply for a degree at the UNIVOTEC (University of Vocational Technology).
The second MoU enables Brandix to identify and employ school leavers who have received a three-month training as Industrial Sewing Machine Operators at the VTA’s island-wide network of vocational training centres. Selected trainees will undergo a further three months of training at Brandix business units, after which they will be offered a certificate equivalent to NVQ Level 3 upon completion.
“Elevating the standards of training and technical competency development is essential for our Apparel industry to progress and advance up the value chain,” Chief People Officer of the Brandix Group, Ishan Dantanarayana has been quoted as saying in the local media.
“As the country’s top-ranked exporter and largest employer, we are delighted to partner with the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka to steer this process that would provide much value to the Sri Lankan youth and our country as a whole.”
Meanwhile, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka, Dr Lionel Pinto has said, “This is a unique endeavour that fosters the public private partnership thrust between VTA and Brandix which is one of the most renowned and leading companies in the Apparel sector in the country. This joint venture promotes new openings to the youth to embark on their careers in the Apparel industry by way of skills training and guaranteed employment together. I am also glad to highlight that this initiative has been facilitated by the Policy Development Office of the Hon Prime Minister.”
OSL take:
The partnership between Brandix Group and the VTA on the skills development for the apparel sector would result in the improvement in Sri Lanka’s apparel industry. The development in skilled labor in the apparel sector along with the EU’s GSP Plus trade concession enjoyed by Sri Lanka would make the island nation a hot spot for foreign businesses/investors interested in setting up operations in the apparel industry in the Asian region.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20180322/Z_3 |