The Skills for Sustainable Growth (SSG) project has reached another significant milestone, opening six new learning centers in July and August. These centers are located in Bulathsinghala in the Kalutara District, Katunayake in the Gampaha District, Rajagiriya in the Colombo District, Valachchenai in the Batticaloa District, Kuchchaveli in the Trincomalee District, and Ampara in the Ampara District. The existing four centers are Senkadagala in Kandy district, Naula in Matale district, Meepilimana in N’Eliya district and Weerawila in Hambantota district.
With this expansion, SSG has now extended its youth development operations across 10 districts in Sri Lanka, becoming one of the largest networks of hospitality study centers in the country, providing equal opportunities for underprivileged youth, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion. According to recent statistics, over 600 students have registered and are currently being trained, with plans underway to enroll and train an additional 970 students by the end of 2024, including opening new centers. The goal for 2025 is to register 1,830 students across all 10 centers.
Recent updates from the centers include the first batch of students from SSG Nuwara Eliya, who will complete their five-month internships in September. These students have secured positions at renowned hotels such as the Grand Hotel, Hill Club, Seven Heaven, Landale, and Oliphant Bungalow by Amaya. Meanwhile, the second batch of the Kandy center successfully completed their four-month theory phase in July and transitioned to paid internships at hotels such as the Grand Kandyan, Mahaweli Reach, Cinnamon Citadel, Casamara Hotel, and Heritance Tea Factory.
Similarly, the second batch at the Naula center has entered paid internships at hotels such as Hunas Falls, Cinnamon Citadel, Sigiri Village, Jetwing Lake, Occidental Paradise, Hikka Tranz, Devon Rest, and Mahaweli Reach. The first batch at the Weerawila center has also completed their four-month classroom theory phase and begun internships at hotels including Shangri-La Hambantota, Laya Safari, Thaulle Ayurvedic Resort, Rice of Life by Tissa Inn, Tamarind Tree Tissamaharama, and Cinnamon Wild Yala.
The SSG Project not only provides technical knowledge in hospitality but also focuses on enhancing practical skills, real-world experience, and soft skills development. SSG believes these are essential for students to excel and sustain careers in the hospitality industry. Each center follows a standard academic calendar, offering students the opportunity to train under industry experts and soft skills trainers. The curriculum includes leadership, communication, negotiation, teamwork, hotel field visits to prestigious hotels, guest speeches by general managers, interview preparation sessions, hospitality role plays, public speaking, and CV-building sessions.
SSG is also planning to initiate more academic activities in collaboration with National Youth Corps centers and hotel associations, the main stakeholders of this program. This will help students be work-ready, as they’re equipped with the required knowledge and skills to perform confidently. Finally, this will benefit them with world-class job opportunities locally and internationally.
Students between 18 -25 of age who have completed Ordinary Level with a C pass in English, and have a passion for hospitality, are eligible and welcome to register For more information, email ssg@baurs.com or follow us on https://www.facebook.com/baurs.ssg