UTE Engineering Training Centre to promote sustainable school programme
Designed to empower children towards a secure future, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education’s national ‘Sustainable School Programme’ promotes the well-being and development of future generations through a series of aligned themes.
As a responsible corporate, UTE Engineering Training Centre of United Tractor and Equipment (Pvt.) Ltd (UTE) decided to provide opportunities for students to develop technical skills and enhance career prospects by partnering with the Western Province Education Department.
With the guidance and advice of Western Province Education Director Vimal Gunarathna and aligned under the ‘Child Protection’ theme of the sustainable school programme, UTE Engineering recently hosted educators at its state-of-the-art training centre, demonstrating its own concept and capabilities in offering free fullday workshops to create awareness of the value of its Training Facility, to all G.C.E. A/L students studying ‘Engineering Technology’ as a subject.
Commenting on this initiative, UTE Chairman Prasan Fernando said: “As knowledge gained by students tends to be primarily theoretical and with little access to practical concepts applicable to real-world scenarios, our sophisticated training centre is the ideal venue for students to gain a balanced understanding on the engineering technology field. Collaborating with the Western Provincial Department of Education, UTE Engineering Training Centre is now a partner in helping future generations build their skills.”
UTE Product Support Services General Manager Aravinda Jayasekera officially welcomed the participants on behalf of the company in the presence of senior management and other personnel.
Attending the awareness programme were representatives of more than 50 schools in the Western province and senior officials of the Education Department. UTE staff conducted several presentations during the event to showcase the structure and value of the proposed programme and modules to be covered.
Awareness was created on the valuable opportunities afforded to students through the workshops such as hands-on experience on the practical aspects of engine systems, hydraulics, introduction to electrical components, and more.
All participants were also provided an opportunity to view and tour UTE’S sophisticated equipment for engine performance monitoring, failure analysis and modern facilities including its engine workstations, a Dozer, the computer room and hydraulic laboratory.
Previously, UTE Engineering has on its own initiative invited a few schools from the Western Province on field visits to its training centre and the benefits to over 120 students who attended these sessions were also demonstrated to the educators present.
Students who attend the sessions will receive an informative booklet of the day’s programme and throughout the visit have access to UTE Engineering experts and sophisticated machines enabling a rich hands-on experience.
Addressing the gathering, Western Province Education Assistant Director Mahinda Kodithuwakku said: “It is vital that we look at the skills children have and their interest towards future prospects. I commend UTE for providing such opportunities to our children, and creating awareness of the potential of this field.”
Key architect of the programme, UTE Training Head Gayan Maldeniya noted: “As industry pioneers it is our duty to help the future generation understand the industry and pursue career prospects. Through this programme, our main aim is to provide students an understanding about the industry, the opportunities available and how they can build their own lives. We are appreciative of the efforts of the Western Provincial Department of Education in helping us further this cause.”