AkzoNobel initiative to give local painters more opportunities at home and abroad

AkzoNobel Paints Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. – producer of Dulux paints in Sri Lanka – has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Vocational Training Authority (VTA) that will provide its loyal Dulux painter community in the country with the valuable opportunity to obtain level three of the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in ‘Professional painting.’

The new initiative concluded on Oct. 3 “is part of the company’s MHP –Mind, Heart and Pocket- approach for its painter engagement journey,” an AkzoNobel news release said.

“This NVQ level three certification is recognised both locally and internationally, and involves an immersive professional and technical course which will help these qualified painters to also take up opportunities abroad should they choose,” it added.

As one of the world’s leading companies in paints and coatings, AkzoNobel has long been committed towards painter well-being and upskilling; this initiative being a part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the satisfaction, motivation, and skills development of its strong painter community in Sri Lanka. The exclusive “Dulux Painter Loyalty” rewards program is also a part of this greater effort, and it is from this painter pool that the participants for this program will be selected, the release explained.

“This capacity building program in collaboration with the VTA will help provide gainful employment – either within the country or abroad – for our loyal painter community,”

said Amila Indika, Commercial Head of AkzoNobel Paints Lanka. “For this, the VTA will provide the required guidance and technical support to help us see this initiative through, in order to help participants reach their highest potential.”

Additionally, Dulux will be sponsoring all painting material for the painters enrolled in the course, until the program’s completion – a certification affiliated with the Global Dulux Academy.

More recently, AkzoNobel Trainers also carried out several one-day training sessions on Woodcare water-based technology to VTA instructors across the country, with the aim to improve their skills and knowledge on water-based products, as well as their application and benefits.

“We are delighted to join hands with AkzoNobel Lanka to provide an internationally accredited qualification that will help these painters acquire the most up-to-date skills required in this fast-evolving industry, and eventually lead to better employment opportunities for them,”

commented Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Prasanna Ranasinghe Chairman of the VTA.