The annual Career Guidance programme was conducted on the 17th of October 2018 at the Kichilan Reception Hall in Wekanada Colombo 2. The programme comprised of sessions on personal effectiveness and leadership, overview on career prospects and vocational training opportunities and essentials on self-enterprise conducted by V.Poobalasingam.

Lasantha Ranathunga from Cinnamon Lakeside conducted a session on Personal Grooming and Hygiene. This was followed by a practical demonstration on dining etiquette conducted by Dinusha Harshana from the Cinnamon red Learning and development department with the assistance of one of the participants.The next session comprised of presentations on career and growth opportunities in the Leisure Retails and Property Sectors of the Group. This was conducted by the learning and development departments of Cinnamon RED, Cinnamon Lakeside and Jay Kay Marketing Services. The programme was open to Grade 11 students from the 5 schools supported under the John Keells Neighbourhood School Development Project. A total of 85 students were in attendance.

Coordinated with support from school principals and Group businesses, the Career Guidance Programme aims to provide relevant skills and knowledge to successfully enter the workforce as well as highlight opportunities provided by John Keells to youth who are not eligible to pursue Advanced Level studies. Banuka Dhananjaya, a vocational trainee currently working at Cinnamon Red was also present to share his experience and encourage others to apply for this work experience and skills development programme.