FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – Cultus, a company specializing in digital skills training, has teamed up with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to introduce a comprehensive program in Sri Lanka that offers free cloud computing and Industry 4.0 courses. This initiative aims to address the growing disparity between academic qualifications and the needs of the job market.
The program encompasses the AWS re/Start and Cultus Job Readiness (CJR) initiatives, which are designed to equip university students and unemployed youth in Sri Lanka with essential skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and cloud technology.
Nalin Singh, Founder and Managing Director of Cultus Education, highlighted during the launch event in Colombo that there are currently more job opportunities than jobseekers globally. However, the disconnect lies in the relevance of the jobs to students’ fields of study. “Jobs are driven by industry demand,” he stated.
Submit Your Press Release
Get your company news, announcements, launches, appointments and events in front of a wider audience.
The initiative’s primary objective is to prepare young people in Sri Lanka to compete in a global marketplace characterized by an abundance of information yet a scarcity of competencies. Singh pointed out that, despite concerns in the media about job losses due to automation, the real issue is a significant shortage of skilled professionals worldwide.
Singh emphasized that the traditional classroom model has become outdated, as students can now access information instantly through their smartphones. He noted that industry leaders frequently express frustration that while graduates possess academic knowledge, they often lack the practical skills needed for employment. A survey involving 1,200 HR executives cited by the firm indicated that 87 percent of employers feel that young individuals are deficient in both soft skills and practical technical abilities necessary for immediate job placement.
The business model of Cultus allows students to participate at no cost since funding comes from corporate sponsorships, CSR initiatives, or government collaborations. This “for-profit, for-impact” strategy ensures that the program is both sustainable and accessible to the youth who need it the most.
As part of its implementation in Sri Lanka, the initiative will allow local universities to integrate AWS Academy and AWS Educate programs, offering students customized learning experiences. By focusing on Industry 4.0, which demands frequent updates to curricula, the program shifts away from traditional static textbooks toward practical, lab-based projects.
With an eye on achieving its National Digital Economy Strategy 2030, this partnership seeks to elevate the local workforce from simply being “degree-holders” to becoming skilled professionals equipped for the global marketplace.
