Moratuwa Institute of Wood Technology revived after 14 years

The Moratuwa Institute of Wood Technology has been revived after 14 years of inactivity, with its first batch of trainees completing the NVQ Level 4 Wood Technology (Furniture) Programme and securing employment. The certificate awarding and job placement ceremony was held under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe on July 16. Twenty‑one students received their NVQ Level 4 certificates along with job opportunities. “Although emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), are rapidly transforming the world, they cannot easily replace human skills and creativity. Alongside academic qualifications, a skilled workforce remains in high demand in both local and international labour markets,” the Deputy Minister said, addressing the gathering, and highlighted the enduring value of skilled labour despite rapid technological change. He further noted that the programme reflects a shift in government policy. “What we have challenged is the economic ideology that claims the government should completely withdraw from the marketplace. This programme, implemented jointly by the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority, the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, and the private sector, is one of the best examples of that new direction.” The Deputy Minister emphasized that past vocational training often failed due to weak alignment with market needs. The current approach, he said, directly links training, industry, and employment. He also announced that upcoming education reforms will allow students from Grade 9 onwards to choose skills‑based vocational pathways, creating greater opportunities for careers that match labour market demand. (Newswire)