A Helping Hand Into the Workforce
The Asian island nation Sri Lanka has been pushed to the limit on several occasions in the recent past. In 2004 for instance, it had to deal with the consequences of a devastating tsunami over and above the existing economic, political and social challenges. What started then as a donation by the Hilti family and the Hilti Group has now developed into a significant Engaged Beyond Business (EBB) initiative: support for a vocational training center set up in Monaragala.
“The Monaragala district is one of the poorest regions in the country. Due to a lack of financial resources there are hardly any training opportunities, especially for young people, and therefore also a lack of skills for finding decent work”, states Divakar Ratnadurai, Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Sri Lanka, when describing the difficult starting point. “Then in 2007 we had the idea of expanding the children’s village in Monaragala by establishing a vocational training center for young people who have grown with us or who come from disadvantaged families. Since then, Hilti and its employees have been supporting us by financing infrastructure such as appropriate teaching spaces and workshops and also by profiting tools and training equipment.”
At present this vocational training center at the SOS Children’s Village in Monaragala – SOS VTC – provides training for a variety of professions: information and communications technicians, electricians, welders, carpenters, mechanics as well as bakers and pastry chefs. Due to the strong demand, nursing training will also become available during the course of 2025. However, alongside demand on the jobs market, there are also other core considerations that influence the type of training focused on.
“We naturally also want to take account of young people’s interests. We also make sure that our training programs take account where possible of the state of the art of constantly evolving technology and, thanks to industry partnerships, adjust our syllabuses in line with standards”, explains Divakar Ratnadurai.
On this basis the program has been expanded beyond pure vocational training. This has resulted for instance in a project to promote environmental sustainability where participants learn how to keep their home gardens in an environmentally friendly manner by using organic fertilizer, collecting rainwater and growing drought-resistant plants. Other courses focus on first aid, fire prevention and disaster management. As well as providing often life-saving knowledge, these also foster a sense of responsibility and cultivate resilience, proactivity and leadership skills. While focused on a completely different subject, the financial literacy program is just as important. It is intended to provide young people with the tools for taking their own financial decisions themselves, managing resources effectively and ultimately securing a stable future.
The target group served by the comprehensive training offered by SOS VTC is essentially made up of young people aged between 17 and 24 from the region about to enter the labor market. They may come directly from the SOS Children’s Village, from alternative care facilities or from low-income families. Particular consideration is given to people who stopped attending school early.
Young people from remote areas have access to on-site accommodation. These accommodation facilities offer a safe environment and give people the opportunity to form social bonds and friendships as well as participating in training programs. Young people also receive support in identifying suitable internships, apprenticeships and job opportunities.
Divakar Ratnadurai’s eyes start to shine when recalling the success stories that have already been written by the SOS VTC. “One particularly uplifting and inspiring example has been the journey of a student who trained with us as a mechanic. After completing his training he first secured a position at a major automotive service company, where he quickly climbed the career ladder. Today he has a small workshop, can provide for his entire family and even employs a few staff. And it’s particularly gratifying that he also takes out some time to mentor our trainees”, the SOS VTC Director happily notes.
The long-standing support from Hilti employees is massively important for the success of the program. “Thanks to this cooperation it has been possible to ensure in particular that the SOS VTC can provide modern, industry-appropriate training with quality facilities and equipment, which in turn motivates students and teachers day after day. This means that disadvantaged young people can turn into qualified workers, who can secure employment both within the country as well as abroad”, comments Divakar Ratnadurai. Financial support also ensures sustainable operations and allows for the awarding of scholarships.
The SOS VTC also has clear goals for the future. “We want to expand the education program not only to new sectors like renewable energy, tourism and digital skills, but also to provide young people with the tools they need, aside from pure technical knowledge”, explains Divakar Ratnadurai. “These include core business training and promoting independence – especially when the formal labor market is saturated and there are limited job opportunities.” In order to address this aspect at an early stage, the SOS VTC is also strengthening partnerships with local and international companies so that suitable internships and jobs can be offered to those who have completed training.
The SOS VTC is a successful example of how helping people to help themselves can work, not least thanks to the support of Hilti and Hilti employees, and that success can be achieved even in the wake of a devastating tsunami.