Total of 153,000 youths enrolled in 3,600 institutions for skills training in 2023

Colombo, July 24 (Daily Mirror) - A total of 153,000 young people enrolled in over 3,600 government and non-government institutions for skills training sessions in 2023, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

Addressing the media after a programme to announce the SkillsExpo2024 at Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Colombo, the Minister said it is encouraging to see such a large number of young people receiving training.

"Skills training helps youth to go abroad and send remittances back to the country. Some skilled youngsters will stay and contribute to national development efforts," he noted.

"Unfortunately, school children previously lacked skills training and knowledge. However, this has changed with new educational reforms," he said.

"Under these reforms, career guidance has been integrated into the school syllabus from Grade six. By Grade nine, we can identify the direction of the students based on their skills, ensuring their time is not wasted," the Minister explained.