US funded "Career Bus" begins maiden voyage

The “Career Bus” funded by the United States embarked today on its maiden voyage. Traveling throughout Sri Lanka, it will bring professional employment advising services to rural youth with limited access to career guidance professionals, the US Embassy stated.

 Developed in partnership with the Vocational Training Authority (VTA) and the private sector, the bus started from Dondra and will stop at more than 30 towns and villages in the Eastern, Southern, Northern, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, and North Central Provinces.  It will end its journey in Point Pedro on May 1, 2020.

When the Career Bus arrives at a destination, youth will be invited to board the bus, where tables will be set up for one-on-one career counseling.  An audio-visual tent will offer information on career choices and entrepreneurship.  Inside the bus, youth can access electronic tablets to take a career test and have their career personality profile printed out on the spot. Trained Career Guidance Officers are available to help them interpret the results.  At some stops, local private companies will also be on hand to tell youth about available job opportunities and accept applications.  The Career Bus will continue to make regular journeys to rural destinations across Sri Lanka after it concludes its first trip.