Professional electricians a much sought after occupation

The demand for professional electricians is growing at a rapid pace and it is one of the top ten most sought after occupations, said Deputy Director General,Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission, B. H. S. Suraweera.

He said over 60,000 students qualify from vocational training institutes annually and their contribution to various industries has helped in the development of the country.

"The large number of unqualified personnel in occupations is a stumbling block to achieve higher standards and develop professionalism. Around 15 per cent workers are trained in the industry and excel in their professions", Suraweera said.

According to statistics of the vocational training institute over 1.5 million people in various occupations are not qualified. Many people take to a certain job because it has been an ancestral occupation. Inadequate training has resulted in loss of money and damage to life and property.

Suraweera said there are gaps between untrained personnel and industry standards. Theory and practical training are vital to be experts in a profession.

The national skills standards adopted by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission and the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) focuses on the ability of the worker to transfer and apply knowledge and skills to new situations and environments.

The national skills standards provides advice to assessors and employers of the knowledge, skills and attitudes required in a particular occupation.

Senior Lecturer, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Peradeniya Dr. Sanath Alahakoon said the lead taken by Kelani Cables PLC to impart knowledge and train school-leavers and self-employed electricians will pave the way for many institutions to make good use of the talents of youth in the country to develop the construction industry.

"Qualified electricians rank six among the top ten occupations in the country and their role to develop the construction sector is highly recognised", he said.

Kelani Saviya, a program to train youth to be professional electricians and ensure a secure future was launched last year with the participation of 100 students.

The participation of women aspiring to be professional electricians was a unique feature of the program.