NDB Bank, DIMO offer automotive training for youth

As a follow up to NDB Bank's recently launched NDB Jeevana livelihood development scheme, the bank entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO), to provide training in the automotive industry to youth in the North and East.

Thirty youth each from Ampara and Jaffna will be selected to undergo training for six months, covering in-house and practical training in automotive service and maintenance skills focused primarily on TATA Commercial Vehicles and Mahindra Tractors.

Training under the guidance of DIMO will cover a range of subjects including automotive components, instructions on using all applicable tools and equipment and exposure to DIMO's state-of-the-art workshops.

The training will instill skills for each trainee to handle any kind of service for different vehicles.

CEO NDB Bank Russell De Mel said, "Having successfully enrolled 30 students in Trincomalee to undergo training in the Hospitality sector as the initial step of Jeevana, we then pursued the idea of partnering with a leader in the automotive industry, to offer an opportunity for the youth in Ampara and Jaffna to be exposed to training in this industry. As we launched this initiative with the objective of providing financial backing and expert training on sectors that clearly contribute to the development of our nation, we feel that the automotive field is a career choice that would enhance the lives of the youth in these areas."

Chairman and CEO of DIMO Ranjith Pandithage said "It is our priority to educate and train our people with the necessary skills in the automobile industry to boost their careers.

Extending our vocational training to Ampara and Jaffna will lead to an enhancement of lifestyles and result in the economic prosperity of the two regions."

The 'NDB Jeevana Livelihood Training/Loan Scheme' is combined with a special personal loan issued at a concessionary rate with a grace period for payment.

NDB Bank has targeted high demand sectors such as hospitality, automotive, construction and nursing for students who wish to pursue careers in these industries but lack the facilities and financial support to do so.

The loan component will comprise an allocation for tuition and training costs and other amenities.

It will also entail a personal accident insurance cover that covers the training period.