Carsons empowers youth in H'tota

Diversified holdings company, Carson Cumberbatch PLC, inaugurated a dedicated computer training facility and youth skills development centre at Hambantota, which was declared open by Member of Parliament, Hon. NamalRajapaksa, the Chairman of ThaarunyataHetak.

Based ona studyof private sector employment requirements conducted by EFC, Carsons has developed a unique four-month development programme imparting learning and practical study of IT skills, English, business communications and a two-month course on personality development and business etiquette.

A first batch of 100 students from the Kilinochchi district at the end of 2011, whilst a second batch of 250 students advanced from the programme in January 2012 and received their certificates from MP NamalRajapakse, at an event held in Hambantota. The programme also showcased the achievements and skills of its graduates.

A spokesperson for the company adds that up to 25 per cent of graduates have already gained employment in various sectors in companies island wide, and Carsons will continue to support and monitor the progress of these youth to ensure they integrate well into society and contribute gainfully to the progress of the national economy.

Carson Cumberbatch has approached a number of top Sri Lankan corporates to offer internships to the graduates for professional development, plus, provide space to market products and services of students who opted for self-employment. The uptake of graduates and the overall response was described as positive, with more companies being added to the fold resulting in enhanced opportunity to the Carson's graduates.

Director of Carson Cumberbatch, DesamanyaMano Selvanathan, said: "The resurgent economy and the evolving business landscape have given rise to more sophistication in recruitment and retaining best talent to maintain competitiveness.

This programme is aimed at delivering best practices to under privileged youth based on what private sector employers seek when hiring for entry level jobs. The Carsons model has looked at their every stage of evolution; made possible by our partnerships and stringent evaluation and monitoring of every student in our programme - delivering necessary support at every stage. This is how this programme becomes unique."

The Carsonsprogramme is of four months duration and will improve participants' skills in English, computer literacy, internet and place a lot of focus on developing their personal profile through leadership skills dissemination, self-initiation, problem-solving and grooming. Going forward, Carsons will also focus on selecting a batch of students to be developed as specialized entrepreneurs, by enhancing the role and scope of its youth development programme.