The future of any country depends on its youth. Therefore it is vital that the youth are geared well for the challenges they will face when entering the world of employment. An institute which helps them to do just that is the MAS Institute of Management and Technology (MIMT) located at the MAS Fabric Park in Thulhiriya.
One of the key focuses of MIMT is on the development of hard and soft skills of our nations’ youth. MIMT currently offers a range of programmes ranging from accounting, marketing, hospitality, textile and apparel, as well as making them IT enabled and geared towards Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sectors.
MIMT also focuses on the development of English and personal skills so that those qualified through MIMT will hold a rounded education which is currently sought after by companies.
Upon celebrating their first anniversary yesterday, they will be looking towards introducing a few new aspects towards the training institute. “We will be introducing CIM and CIMA,” says Ayin Shah Jahan, Head of Youth Education and Corporate Training at MIMT. In addition the new year will see them launch The ‘Unlimited Potential Partnership’ (UPP) through an alliance between Microsoft, USAID and Infoshare under the Global Development Alliance framework. The Microsoft qualification will groom the student in four specific industries: Apparel, hospitality, media and agriculture. “Their training will be
very specific,” Ayin says and will not just be for beginners but will also assist in career progression.
Ayin and her team have identified schools in the area around Thulhiriya to be assisted through sponsorship and awarding of scholarships. MIMT already has a Student Club therefore 2009 will also see the inauguration of a ‘Marketing Club’ through CIM. Students will be given the chance to work on projects therefore giving them exposure and networking, which will be vital for their future.
“There is a need to help the rural youth, so this is a means to build their careers and future,” Ayin says. She went on to say that when speaking to the youth in the area it was clear that they only think they can either join the army or become a teacher, “they don’t know what else there is,” she says. Therefore during this year they aim to create awareness as to what else they can do and give them the skills necessary to enter the world of employment. In order to get this going they want to start with O’Level and A’Level students within a 30km radius of Thulhiriya in areas like Kurunegala, Nittambuwa, Allawwa and Kegalle, allowing them to see the other opportunities they have out there.
Another valuable service is their placement centre which will assist them in finding employment. The past 10 months have seen MIMT train over 1750 youth and corporate sector employees. Those interested do not only have to get their training done in Thulhirya they can even conduct the programmes at a neutral location or at their company or institute in order to make it easier and affordable. In addition, NGO’s and churches provide them with a special rate.
MIMT’s other focus point is on Corporate Training. “Training programmes are affordable and customised” she said, adding that all you need to do is tell them what you need and they will design a programme that suits you – you need not fret about logistics and other arrangements as this can be sorted out too. They have 66 rooms able to accommodate over 250 on site along with a fully equipped auditorium, IT labs, lounge and cafeteria.
As much as learning is important so is experiential learning and these aspects are provided on site due to the environment around the institute like their natural rock site along with canoeing and kayaking on the Maha Oya which borders MIMT, along with hiking and trekking paths just to name a few, which will all help to stimulate one’s mind and body and push you beyond your comfort zone.
For further details on MIMT and its programmes, contact Shehan on 0773958542 or Maneesha on 0777556524. |
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