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DIMO Academy, the vocational training arm of DIMO, entered a strategic partnership with HomeServe Germany, a global leader in home assistance, on 2 December at the Hiton Residences. By offering job placements in Germany’s thriving building service sector, aimed at empowering the local youth with globally recognised qualifications, this joint endeavour marks the beginning of strengthened workforce development. Vocational training is essential as it provides individuals with practical skills and knowledge for vital career paths often overlooked by many, fostering steady employment and economic growth in Sri Lanka. As part of this partnership, DIMO Academy is set to offer world-class qualifications aligned with rigorous German vocational standards, culminating in a German diploma in plant engineering accredited by the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK). The program includes German language training, ensuring graduates are well-versed to launch successful careers in Germany. Upon completion, certified graduates will secure employment with HomeServe Germany, positioning them as skilled professionals in the country’s thriving building services industry. DIMO has also invested in an advanced training facility in Peliyagoda, scheduled to open in February 2025. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the facility aims to train students to the highest international standards. This collaboration addresses the growing global demand for skilled service technicians, particularly in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)-driven by increasing focus on energy efficiency, sustainable construction, and urbanisation. Opportunities like these are crucial, especially to contribute to the skill shortages within industries in Germany, due to their high standards and dependence on renewable energies which the world is slowly adopting to. By aligning with these global benchmarks, DIMO Academy not only prepares its graduates for international technical careers but also elevates the standard of vocational education in Sri Lanka. This initiative will enhance the local building services sector by promoting a pool of technically proficient talent, equipped to meet both domestic and international standards. “We are indeed privileged to partner with HomeServe Germany, a leading company in the global building services industry,” said DIMO Executive Director and Chief Human Resources Officer Dilrukshi Kurukulasuriya. “This alliance showcases the DIMO Academy’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the global industry to foster employment opportunities and the exchange of technical knowledge for local youth while fuelling their dreams and aspirations.” Commenting on the benefits of vocational education, DIMO Academy Chairman Ranjith Pandithage stated: “There must be a shift in societal mind-set that recognises and celebrates alternative career paths like plumbing, mechanics, etc. We require personnel with technical and physical skills that are the basis for all the constructions and repairing we conduct across the country. In Germany, only those with certificates are eligible for work. This must apply to Sri Lanka as well. Not only will quality of services improve, but a rise in vocational training will foster lifelong learning maintaining their competitiveness in the job market. In addition, this will enable them to gain quicker entry into the workforce upon graduation as vocational education takes less time to complete compared to traditional academic routes.” Elaborating on the courses offered by DIMO, DIMO Academy Head said: “DIMO Academy’s diplomas in Automobile Mechatronics and Plant Engineering, certified as category-A qualifications, in Germany make graduates eligible to work as technicians across the globe. DIMO Academy introduced the Diploma in Plant Engineering program to open diverse global career opportunities for young people in the building services industry. DIMO Academy offers a structured industrial training, with updated syllabus through a unique self-learning methodology and German qualified trainers, in its world-class training facilities. It also upholds high standards through a rigorous selection process, continuous assessments, and external audits by German and Sri Lankan bodies. We also highly encourage women to join our programs. The vocational world has evolved to reward brain over muscle and we are offering many STEM scholarships to women as well.” HomeServe Germany CEO Thomas Rebel highlighted the immense progress made by HomeServe since its inception, with € 20 billion being spent on Professional Education and Skills in Home Services Apprenticeships (PESHA). In 2021, HomeServe Germany had 17 companies with around 800 employees and intends to expand further, he asserted. “In Germany, there is a great need for technicians in the building services industry. Being a top provider of building services, we need highly qualified technicians to support our customers. Our HVAC businesses in Germany already have an apprenticeship rate of more than 15% today. Nevertheless, the demand for skilled workers is high and cannot be solely met through education in Germany. The only school outside of Germany to offer a category “A” recognised training program in building services following German vocational criteria is DIMO Academy.PESHA engineers earn approximately Rs. 30 million a year.” Founded in 1993, HomeServe Germany is a part of the HomeServe EMA Group that operates across Europe and Asia, specialising in plumbing, heating and electrical works. In Germany, it concentrates on residential HVAC and plumbing- providing installation, maintenance, and emergency repair services for heating, sanitary, and renewable energy systems. Students enrolling in the 2025 batch for the Diploma in Plant Engineering will be competent to join HomeServe once they successfully complete the course, ensuring a seamless transition to careers in Germany. Interested applicants are urged to send their CVs by January 2025 to

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One day before Texas and Georgia face off in the Southeastern Conference championship game, the Longhorns earned a surprising victory over the Bulldogs on the recruiting trail. Justus Terry, a defensive lineman from Manchester, Georgia, announced Friday he would be leaving his home state to play for Texas next year. Terry, who also was considering Georgia and Auburn, had been the nation’s top remaining uncommitted 2025 prospect. The addition of Terry gives Texas the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports. “We’re super pumped about this recruiting class,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday, before Terry had announced his decision. “This is a very talented group of players that I think not only fit the physical characteristics of what we’re looking for by position in our program, but I think meet the character and are going to fit nicely into our culture.” Although there will be an additional signing period in February, 247Sports officials said Texas should maintain its No. 1 standing. The overwhelming majority of Power Four recruits already finalized their college plans this week. The top 11 classes as of Friday afternoon include eight Southeastern Conference schools and three Big Ten programs. Alabama is second, with Georgia third, Oregon fourth and Ohio State fifth. Auburn, LSU, Texas A&M, Michigan and Tennessee round out the top 10. Florida is 11th. The highest-rated recruiting classes outside the SEC and Big Ten are Notre Dame at No. 12 and Miami at No. 14. Terry is the nation’s No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 10 overall prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite. His decision gives Texas nine of the 247Sports Composite’s top 66 prospects. Texas’ other recruits rated 66th or better include safety Jonah Williams (No. 8), wide receivers Kaliq Lockett (No. 22) and Jamie Ffrench (No. 32), defensive lineman Lance Jackson (No. 25), all-purpose athlete Michael Terry III (No. 43), cornerbacks Kade Phillips (No. 54) and Graceson Littleton (No. 65), and linebacker Elijah Barnes (No. 66). “I think it’s a really versatile class with a variety of positions, highlighted by high-level players,” Sarkisian said. “As always, we really pride ourselves on recruiting the high school ranks. We think when we can get players in here young, then immerse them into our culture, into our off-season conditioning program, develop them as we go throughout their career, that’s when we really reap the benefits of having these guys in our program. This class is no different.” With the early signing period concluding Friday, the focus on college roster construction now turns to transfers. The transfer portal window officially opens Monday, though numerous college players already went to social media this week to announce their intentions to transfer. The early signing period was moved up a few weeks this year so that high school seniors could get their decisions out of the way before the opening of the transfer portal window. This marked the first signing period since the demise of the national letters of intent that prospects had sent in the past after signing with their respective schools. Athletes now are signing their names to a financial aid agreement that can include name, image and likeness agreements along with the standard tuition and room and board details. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

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Advertisement The field of artificial intelligence is booming and attracting billions in investment. Researchers, CEOs, and legislators are discussing how AI could transform our lives. Here are 17 of the major names in the field — and the opportunities and dangers they see ahead. Investment in artificial intelligence is rapidly growing and on track to hit $200 billion by 2025. But the dizzying pace of development also means many people wonder what it all means for their lives. Major business leaders and researchers in the field have weighed in by highlighting both the risks and benefits of the industry's rapid growth. Some say AI will lead to a major leap forward in the quality of human life . Others have signed a letter calling for a pause on development, testified before Congress on the long-term risks of AI, and claimed it could present a more urgent danger to the world than climate change . In short, AI is a hot, controversial, and murky topic. To help you cut through the frenzy, Business Insider put together a list of what leaders in the field are saying about AI — and its impact on our future.Sir Mo Farah ‘hounded for money’ by man whose name he took when he came to UK as Olympian forced to take action

Pune: The first edition of Cambodia-India Bilateral Army Exercise ( CINBAX-I ) successfully concluded on Friday, marking a significant milestone in strengthening military cooperation and interoperability between the two nations. The joint exercise saw active participation from both the Cambodian and Indian contingents, enhancing their operational synergy and exposing the Cambodian contingent to the functioning of staff officers during the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO). It also highlighted India's military training and defence technology expertise, fostering a shared understanding of modern military practices. A key component of it was a planning exercise aimed at wargaming the conduct of joint Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations under chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise focused on discussions related to establishment of a joint training task force for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). It also included the planning of operations in a CT environment, wargaming various contingencies, and exploring the employment of force multipliers in sub-conventional operations—combat firing at battle range. A live firing exercise was also part of the exercise. "The exercise has successfully enhanced operational synergy and fostered deeper mutual understanding between Indian and Cambodian armies. The exercise served as a platform for sharing best practices and exploring avenues for future collaboration in peacekeeping and defence technology," said a senior army officer. The Cambodian contingent visited the College of Military Engineering (CME) where they were introduced to humanitarian mine action techniques employed during UN missions. They were also briefed on anti-IED and explosives actions, including the role of canine units (dog IEDs), and witnessed art equipment and new-generation equipment used by the Corps of Engineers. The exercise included a comprehensive display of equipment such as NEGEV light machine guns, SIG 716 rifles, mortar systems, thermal imaging instruments, and sniper rifles. In line with 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, major firms from India's defence technology sector, including MKU, Jatayu, Ikran Aerospace, and AI Innovations, showcased their indigenous products. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .Nick Kyrgios says positive tests for duo are ‘disgusting’ and ‘a horrible look’

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee man was convicted Thursday of killing two men and wounding a third in a shooting at a high school basketball game three years ago. Jadon Hardiman, 21, was found guilty in Gibson County of charges including second-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons offenses, district attorney Frederick Agee said in a statement. He faces up to 76 years in prison at sentencing in April.New partner gets birthday snubNonePresident-elect Donald Trump announced he created a new role for his administration, White House Artificial Intelligence and Crypto Czar. Filling the role will be tech entrepreneur and podcast host David Sacks. Sacks "will guide policy for the Administration in Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency, two areas critical to the future of American competitiveness. David will focus on making America the clear global leader in both areas," Trump said in his announcement. "He will safeguard Free Speech online, and steer us away from Big Tech bias and censorship. He will work on a legal framework so the Crypto industry has the clarity it has been asking for, and can thrive in the U.S.," Trump continued" "David will also lead the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology," the president-elect said. Sacks is a longtime Silicon Valley ally of Elon Musk and invested in SpaceX. They worked together at PayPal, a company in which Sacks is a co-founder of and later became the COO. During that time, Musk was the CEO until 2000 when Confinity went through a rebrand and became PayPal. Sacks held major fundraisers for the Trump-Vance ticket, including one at his home for Trump in San Francisco, California in June. Trump did an interview with Sacks on his "All In" podcast earlier this year, in which he advocated for "automatically" giving noncitizens in the U.S. green cards when they graduate from college -- not just people who go through the vetting process. " [ What ] I want to do, and what I will do, is you graduate from a college, I think you should get, automatically as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country. That includes junior colleges, too," Trump said during the episode. Trump's response came after one of the hosts, Jason Calacanis, asked Trump if he could promise to "give us more ability to import the best and brightest around the world to America."