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VOCATIONAL training is regarded as an important factor for the
development of a country through unemployment alleviation by paving the
way for youth who have the aptitude to undergo relevant vocational or
technical training programme accredited in the country on their wish and
then apply their knowledge as well as competency for the future prospect
of the country on the completion of the training.
However, though there are a lot of vocational training institutions
comprising a variety of training programmes under the Ministry of
Vocational and Technical Training, only youth from poor families have a
trend for this sector.
But unfortunately they are not in a position to complete their
training due to poverty. As a result, skilled workers can’t be provided
for the labour market on its demand.
Almost all the vocational or technical training institutions comprise
well trained academic staff with sophisticated machinery and equipment
donated from developed countries.
The Government allocates annually a large sum of money from the
Budget for administration and maintenance of these institutes. But the
main objective of vocational and technical training can yet be achieved
due to dropouts from all the training programmes.
Undergraduates have the Mahapola scheme. They can therefore pursue
their studies well without becoming a burden to either the Government or
the family.
So I am of the view that, if there is a scheme similar to that for
vocational trainees, they can be awarded a sufficient allowance to
undergo their training programmes successfully.
In order to implement this scheme a large sum of money is required. A
lottery called ‘Apprenticeship Sweep Ticket’ can be initiated by the
Ministry of Vocational and Technical Training with the assistance of a
respective authority to obtain monetary help for the proposed scheme.
When the fund is strengthened the Government is not required to
allocate money for apprenticeship allowances.
Setting up such a scholarship scheme with launching a lottery may be
a very difficult challenge but it can be overcome, if experienced
officials are entrusted with the task thereby achieving all the
objectives in this sector.
UPALI KALUARACHCHI - Apprenticeship Training
Institute, Katubedda
A bus approaching a halt with a “1” thick black on white route
numbered “4x6” aluminium board above the near front head lamp gives all
that advantage and edge to a patiently waiting passenger - he needn’t
peer between ‘the cheek by jowl’ parked buses nor does he have to
contend with an in - moving bus with its smudged, dusty, slanting and
indecipherable destination board - the ‘To and from’ destinations on the
rear side body of the bus in black on white bold lettering for
uniformity with the route number in front will also circumvent
unnecessary queries on deaf indifferent conductors.
Courtesy is of course paramount - we know of two cases of bus crews
in the Maharagama area, years back being rewarded with household memento
annually for their smartness and courtesy. The SLTB could give surprise
rewards periodically too. Comfort is also foremost, apart from
cushion/padded seats.
A driver should be disciplined in good smooth running, sans hefty
swerves, sudden ‘take-offs’ ‘braking’ - this coupled with a ‘back-seat’
driver training school staffer surveillance will show results.
W. MEADOWS - Dehiwala
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