UTE unveils US$ 2 million training facility in Wattala

Sara Pathirana

United Tractor and Equipment (UTE) recently unveiled a state-of-the-art training facility in Wattala with an investment of over US$ two million. UTE has also upgraded its Caterpillar service workshop into a star level facility. The training facility is affiliated to the internationally renowned Caterpillar ABC training programme and to the National Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA).

UTE, has a unique relationship with the US based company and is an exponential part for the growth of Sri Lanka’s infrastructure. “This ultra – modern facility is equipped to produce technicians of the highest caliber. I am truly delighted to see that UTE is committed to maintaining the same level of leadership, innovation and sustainability that Caterpillar is renowned for world over,” Steve J. Lanctot, Regional Manager, Caterpillar, said.

The new training facility is comprehensively equipped to provide well rounded training programmes. The facility comprises of six engine workstations, two machine workstations, two generator workstations, a hydraulic and transmission workstation and electrical and computer labs among its facilities. One of the unique features of this facility is the fault simulators lab which is the first of its kind in the country.

Another aspect of the facility is to act as a catalyst and adding value to Sri Lanka’s human capital and to harness the opportunities in the growing construction sector. Training on an international level is vital to the Sri Lankan construction industry as there is a lack of professionally qualified technicians in the country.

“Our aim is to fill that lack of technicians and produce professionals who are able to quickly adapt to the swift developments in the industrial innovation front. Our training programmes follow the curriculum developed by Caterpillar University and not only can our technicians but also our customers’ technicians too could benefit from the training facility,” Priath Fernando, Chairman, UTE, said.

The UTE training facility will begin producing several batches of skilled Engine and Electric Power technicians every year. Duration of the training period will be two years including nine months on the job training and three months for Caterpillar Certification Tests. The first batch of technical professionals has already commenced the Accelerated Basic Course (ABC) at the new facility.

“A qualified panel of trainers headed by Capt Nihal Jayamaha will lead the lecturing, with trainers specially trained by Caterpillar. The trainees, from day one, will receive an allowance until the end of the third year, where they will be analyzed on performance and if they fulfill the basic requirements, a guaranteed opportunity of recruitment into the company would be gained,” Nalin Manorathne, Manager-Marketing Services, UTE said.