About Us
About Us
Thunder Skills Academy
Turning Skills Into Qualifications. Building Futures Without Borders.
At Thunder Skills Academy, we believe that skills should speak louder than certificates. Many Sri Lankans whether working locally or overseas have built years of expertise in industries like construction, hospitality, ICT, and more. Yet, without formal qualifications, their career growth, migration prospects, and earning potential remain limited.
We exist to bridge that gap. Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and vocational training programs, we help individuals transform their real world skills into nationally and internationally recognized certifications.
About Us
Thunder Skills Academy
Turning Skills Into Qualifications. Building Futures Without Borders.
At Thunder Skills Academy, we believe that skills should speak louder than certificates. Many Sri Lankans whether working locally or overseas have built years of expertise in industries like construction, hospitality, ICT, and more. Yet, without formal qualifications, their career growth, migration prospects, and earning potential remain limited.
We exist to bridge that gap. Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and vocational training programs, we help individuals transform their real world skills into nationally and internationally recognized certifications.
Our Story
Founded as the education and training arm of the Thunder & Neon Group, we carry forward decades of trust, innovation, and industry leadership. With over LKR 500 million in annual turnover, the group has become a household name in Sri Lanka for excellence across signage, branding, and infrastructure.
Building on this strong foundation, Thunder Skills Academy was launched to meet the growing demand for job-ready skills and qualifications both for youth starting their careers and for professionals who deserve recognition for their experience.
Our Vision
To become Sri Lanka’s leading RPL and vocational training provider, trusted by both individuals and industries, while contributing to a globally skilled Sri Lankan workforce.
Our Mission
To create pathways for Sri Lankans to achieve recognized qualifications and access global career opportunities without barriers of age, formal education, or geography.
Who We Serve
● Migrant Workers: Skilled Sri Lankans abroad who need NVQ or vocational qualifications to apply for visas, promotions, or better-paying jobs.
● Industry Professionals: Experienced workers with no formal academic background who want their talent recognized.
● Youth & School Leavers: Students aged 16–30 seeking vocational skills and foreign job placements in high-demand industries.
Our Values
● Recognition – We value your skills and ensure they are formally acknowledged.
● Accessibility – Flexible pathways, online options, and simple enrollment.
● Trust – Backed by Thunder & Neon Group and globally recognized certification bodies.
● Impact – Focused on transforming lives, communities, and Sri Lanka’s global
workforce image.
Here’s Why You
Should Choose Us
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – Experience-based certification, no teaching or exams
- Globally recognized qualifications – NVQ Levels 4–6, TVEC-approved, and university-partnered certifications
- Industry-aligned fields – Electrical, Automobile, Construction, Culinary, Hospitality, Apparel, ICT & more
- Foreign job placement – Career guidance, visa support, and overseas readiness training
- Trusted brand legacy – From Thunder & Neon Group, with a proven record of delivery and trust across Sri Lanka and Dubai
Our Academic Team
Meet our faculty
Our trainers are industry professionals with real world experience and global exposure. They are committed to delivering practical, relevant, and easy to understand learning.
- Professional chefs, hospitality specialists, and mechanics with years of experience
- Qualified assessors for the RPL process
- Support in Sinhala, Tamil, and English
- Ongoing training to keep up with international standards
- We make sure that our team not only teaches but also inspires.
Our Leadership
Thunder Skills Academy is led by a team of professionals who believe that education is the most powerful tool for change.
Milinda Lokuge
Founder and Managing Director
Group Director of Thunder & Neon, brings strong business leadership and a passion for youth development. Under his guidance, our team works with industry and global partners to ensure our programs meet real-world job market needs.
Mich Stark
Director of Academic Affairs
Mich loves taking on challenges. With his multi-year experience as Commercial Director in the software industry, Mich has helped the company to get where it is today. Mich is among the best minds.
Aline Turner
Director of Education
Aline is one of the iconic people in life who can say they love what they do. She mentors 100+ in-house developers and looks after the community of thousands of developers.
Iris Joe
Director of Finance
Iris, with her international experience, helps us easily understand the numbers and improves them. She is determined to drive success and delivers her professional acumen to bring the company to the next level.
What We Do
At Thunder Skills Academy, we focus on two main areas to support different stages of your journey.
If you’re living abroad without formal qualifications, we help you get the recognition you deserve. Our RPL program is perfect for Sri Lankan's working in countries like Italy, the Middle East, or South Korea. We assess your work experience and skills to award you globally recognized vocational or university-level qualifications.
This can help you apply for visas, find better jobs, or start a new chapter with confidence.
- Suitable for individuals aged 35 and above
- No need for O/L or A/L qualifications
- 100% online process with support in Sinhala and English
- Fast-track certification from accredited institutions
.
We also provide hands-on training for Sri Lankan youth who are ready to start their careers or move abroad for work. Our courses are designed to meet the demands of employers in countries like the Maldives, South Korea, and the Middle East.
Whether you’re interested in cookery, hospitality, or motor mechanics, we provide everything you need to build confidence, skills, and a brighter future.
- Short-term certificate and diploma programs
- Internships and real industry experience
- Help with job placement and overseas opportunities
- Open to anyone aged 16 to 30
Our Promise
At Thunder Skills Academy, we don’t just certify skills we unlock futures. Whether you’re an electrician with 20 years of experience, a chef working abroad, or a young student entering the workforce, we provide the qualifications, credibility, and support needed to step into a better tomorrow.