Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA)

Their Vision To be the most dynamic and innovative vocational training provider in Sri Lanka, catering to the global employment market. Their Mission To facilitate the fulfilment of the global skilled employment demand by developing competencies in individuals through modern methods and technologies in vocational training and education. We realize this mission by setting the highest standards in our services and facilities while focusing on employability trends in the world of work. Their Objectives Formulation and providing vocational training programs to youth and make them competent with various trades. Provide accessibility to youth by establishing vocational training centers in rural areas. Conduct trainer training programs to deliver the vocational training effectively and efficiently. Conduct competency based assessments / final assessments, issue National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) certificates and other certificates. Provide career guidance and counselling to school leavers and other youth. Values Flexibility to change Align with skill needs Striving to achieve excellence Being responsible and accountable at all levels Commitment to highest Quality and Integrity Team Spirit Being honest,punctual and sensitive to humanitarian concerns Being committed to continuous growth towards satisfaction for trainees and other stakeholders Functions Provide vocational training to students by conducting vocational training programs through island-wide centres. Conduct trade tests, final assessments and issue National Vocational Qualification certificates through TVEC. Conduct various research programs on vocational training. Conduct career guidance and counselling programs. Conduct trainer training programs to deliver the vocational training efficiently and effectively. Facilitate the youth who have undergone vocational training to engaged with employment opportunities or to start their own business. The Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka(VTA) was established on 16th August 1995 under the provisions of the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka Act No.12 of 1995.It was a concept of His Excellency the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa when he was the Hon. Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training. The VTA was established with the intent to provide skills for employment. The Manpower Division, the training arm of Labor Department which was running Technical and Vocational training programs in many parts of Sri Lanka, was converted to the newly constitute Vocational Training Authority (VTA) making vocational training more accessible to rural youth and depressed segments in the country. The key intention of the establishing the VTA was to reach the rural mass of the country which was 72% of the total population, and make them to be skilful to find employment opportunities both locally and internationally. The VTA's mission is to meet the Vocational training needs of Sri Lankans providing learning opportunities trough excellent pre employment training throughout the country. VTA is a statutory body, governed by a Chairman and the Board of Directors representing various ministries assigned specific subjects areas, i.e., youth affairs, education, industrial development, finance and labor including the corporate sector. This diversified representation at the board level leads to fruitful dialogue infusing wealth of knowledge and experience by them in their own fields The chairman of the board is also the Chief Executive officer of VTA by virtue of the act while serving as the Commission member for Territory and Vocational and Education Commission (TVEC) and the University of Vocational Technology(UNIVOTEC), the most important entities established under the purview of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Research, Skills Development & Vocational Training and Kandyan Heritage as of today, the VTA is operating as the largest training centre network of 202 Vocational Training Centres (VTC), 22 District Vocational Training Centers (DVTC) and 7 National Vocational Training Institutes (NVTI), which was previously had just 31 Vocational Training Centres in 1995. Approximately, 35,000 youth get trained annually in 83 different trades in 18 various trade sectors. When completing the training, youth are directed for local and foreign employment opportunities. Further, students are also eligible to apply for financial assistance scheme called "SEPI" to provide loans for those who intend to start self employment.