From driving three-wheelers to automobile technology
Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO) is encouraging young trishaw drivers to join the workforce as skilled workers. Recently, the company selected 20 young drivers for a training program on basic automobile technology at the DIMO Automobile Training School - from the first week of January.
With the blessings of the PDO (the committee appointed by the Prime Minister to reform vocational training in the country), DIMO has come forward to promote vocational training among youth. As the first phase of the program, DIMO invited young trishaw drivers in the age group 18-31 to the DIMO 800 – Mercedes-Benz Centre of Excellence to create awareness of the job opportunities that exist in the country.
The speakers at the awareness session included Chairman and Managing Director, DIMO, Ranjith Pandithage who outlined the benefits of vocational training. Rochelle Vandort and Anura Malagala explained how people can pursue vocational training. IP Prasadh of the Armour Street Police Post also spoke.
According to them, the number of trishaws on the roads increases every year with over one fifth of the labour force taking up the profession of being taxi driver. A recent shift in the demographics of this segment shows an increase in the number of youth that take up the role of a trishaw taxi driver.
While appreciating the fact that they provide a transportation service, it is generally agreed that in any society, the youth generation if employed in a skilled profession would not only result in the enhancement of their own livelihoods but also contribute greatly economically to the country. Many capable and productive youth choose the three-wheeler trade primarily due to it being one of the easiest livelihood choices whereby a daily income can be earned with minimal effort. This situation has already started effecting the growth of the country with an aging population.
“While we find many unfilled vacancies in light engineering trades such as welding to tinkering and painting, we have witnessed youth of great potential disregarding this opportunity,” a speaker said. One reason for this may be attributed to their lack of knowledge of the opportunities that are readily available and the benefits skilled professions can bring to their livelihoods. Among many programs that the Government is planning, the up-scaling of Sri Lanka’s workforce and promoting vocational training takes a special place, he said.