Teoh says UOA’s programme targets youths from the B40 group, with more than 90% coming from low-income backgrounds.
TECHNICAL and vocational education and training (TVET) could be a game changer for low-income and special-needs students, as well as unemployed graduates, given the rising demand for technical skills in the job market.
While many from these disadvantaged groups already face challenges in their studies, it is disheartening to note that even those with diplomas and degrees often struggle to find jobs.
TVET could offer a solution to this issue.
Muhammad Syahmi says TVET offers higher employability than academic qualifications.According to the 2023 TVET Graduate Employability Report, job placement for TVET graduates increased from 87% in 2020 to 94.5% in 2023.
Meanwhile, 3.7% of the 5.92 million graduates in 2022, including degree and diploma holders, were unemployed, according to the Statistics Department.
There are now many companies and organisations that offer programmes, courses and practical training leading to job opportunities.
Car workshop manager Chong Khong Hao told StarMetro that although TVET-related jobs might not be as highly paid or esteemed as doctors and teachers, they offered job satisfaction.
“Ensuring customers’ safety by providing high-quality service is more important than wealth,” he said.
His workshop, J-Tech Autoserv in Maluri, provides six months of on-the-job training for students with at least a Level 2 Malaysian Skills Certificate.
“After six months, they can work here or elsewhere,” he added.
There are also a number of established free TVET programmes or scholarships from institutions like UOA Academy, Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), and Yayasan Peneraju Pendidikan Bumiputera (YPPB).
StarMetro speaks with representatives of each institution on the opportunities offered to youths (see graphic), especially those who are marginalised.
> UOA AcademyUOA Academy offers a free professional certificate in hospitality services, with six months of training - one month of theory and five months of practical experience in partnering hotels, including those under Marriott International and UOA Hospitality.
Funded by Khazanah Nasional Bhd’s K-Youth initiative, apprentices receive a monthly RM1,800 allowance and statutory benefits like Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Social Security Organisation (Socso) coverage.
Teoh Zhenjie, UOA Academy learning specialist, said the main target group of the hospitality services programme was youths from the B40 group, with more than 90% coming from low- income backgrounds.
Muhammad Aiman says TVET training enhances his soft skills, making him more competitive.
“The practical training covers five main pillars namely housekeeping, food and beverages, kitchen, front office, and engineering. Upon completion, the apprentices will be absorbed into jobs at the 19 partnering hotels,” he said.
Teoh added that some of the apprentices faced learning challenges due to conditions such as dyslexia and autism.
To accommodate their needs, UOA Academy ensures that the trainers develop suitable teaching approaches.
“If the trainers face difficulties, we will discuss with them. There is no one-size-fits-all approach in this matter,” he said.
> Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD)YSD’s Skill Enrichment Programme, established in 2011, supports students from low-income backgrounds.
Yatela says YDP has committed RM40mil to TVET education.
YSD chief executive officer Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin said the programme covered tuition fees, technical equipment, food, accommodation with a monthly allowance of up to RM1,200.
“Since 2007, YSD has committed RM40mil towards championing TVET education in Malaysia, providing employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged students.
“Of this total, RM8mil in scholarships was channelled to polytechnics and community colleges to facilitate access to quality vocational education,” she said.
Students operating pneumatic circuit at the Melaka Industrial Skills Development & Entrepreneurship Centre (Misdec). They are trainees under the Peneraju Skil programme supported by Yayasan Peneraju Pendidikan Bumiputera - Photo courtesy of MISDEC
In collaboration with the Institute of Malaysian Plantation and Commodities (IMPAC) and SD Guthrie Bhd, YSD offers training in plantation skills, guaranteeing job placements post-completion.
“Upon completion, 50% of them are guaranteed employment with SD Guthrie, while the remaining 50% are guaranteed job placements within the plantation industry, facilitated by IMPAC. YSD and IMPAC will each cover half of the students’ allowance, while IMPAC will cover 100% of their tuition fees,” Yatela added.
YSD also collaborates with Sime Darby Industrial Academy (SDIA) and the Construction Industry Development Board, supporting a total of 1,588 students from low-income families.
The YSD Special Needs Bursary, meanwhile, supports students with conditions like cerebral palsy and visual impairment, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and book allowances up to RM25,000 per year.
> Yayasan Peneraju Pendidikan Bumiputera (YPPB)YPPB’s graduate training programme (Program Latihan Untuk Siswazah or PLUS) helps unemployed bumiputra graduates aged 30 or below acquire skills and industry-recognised certificates.
Launched in 2020 in collaboration with the Federation of Malaysian Skills Development Centres, the programme offers training in fields such as pneumatics and electro-pneumatics – a branch of engineering that makes use of gas or pressurised air.
YPPB vice-president (Programme Development) Mohamad Syakir Mohd Sarib said pneumatics and electro- pneumatics trainees would receive certifications from Festech Korea and the Malaysia Board of Technologists.
“With industry-recognised certifications and soft skills development, graduates will have higher employability,” he said.
Mohamad Syakir said the programme was part of the Peneraju Skil (Skill Leaders) and Peneraju Teknologi (Technology Leaders) initiatives, with more than 30 programmes offered.
“Trainees undergo on average two months of training, followed by six months of job placement and monitoring.
“Last year, 1,590 graduates applied to join PLUS through Peneraju Skil. Trainees receive up to RM1,200 monthly allowance covering food, accommodation, and transportation, in addition to group insurance.”
He added that training programmes like PLUS could equip graduates with practical skills.
“Moreover, they can better adapt to the industry and obtain higher salaries through industry- recognised certifications.”
Lifeline for those in need
For YSD scholar Krithin Paul Pereira, 23, who has cerebral palsy, the TVET scholarship is more than financial support.
“It enhances my self-worth and self-esteem, making me feel appreciated,” he said.
Krithin added that YSD provided him with substantial exposure through various TVET-related functions.
“The scholarship has motivated me to study harder and pursue my passion, which is cars,” he said.
His love for Porsche cars drove him to obtain a diploma in light vehicle maintenance from Young Aces Technical College in Segambut.
Currently selling his artworks, Krithin plans to open an automotive gallery that includes a cafe and supports charity work.
He also plans to provide consultation service on vehicle maintenance.
“Part of the proceeds from my artworks are donated to persons with special needs, particularly those with cerebral palsy. For example, Porsche collaborated with me and we donated RM18,000 to special needs physiotherapy centre Amir’s Therapy Gym last year,” he said.
He also hopes to publish his second book entitled Without Limits ... 911 this year.
“If I can do it, you can also do it,” he said.
Meanwhile, UOA Academy apprentice Muhammad Syahmi Aiman Saiful Amri, 24, said the free programme had helped him through allowances as well as EPF and Socso coverage.
He believes TVET offers higher employability than academic qualifications.
“Even those with a master’s degree can’t be guaranteed of a job.
“Don’t think TVET is only for students who don’t excel academically. Try it for yourself first,” he said.
For Muhammad Aiman Kamarul Zaman Sudesh Lall, 23, TVET training can help meet the industry’s need for versatile talents.
“I can get real industry exposure through a lot of hands-on work in my programme.
“Besides technical skills, the training also enhances my soft skills, making me more competitive,” said Muhammad Aiman, who is a heavy equipment student in Sime Darby Industrial Academy (SDIA).
Meanwhile, his classmate Muhammad Yadiy Baharuddin, 22, said the increasing employability of TVET graduates over the past few years had proven that it could lead to wide job opportunities.
“Not all of us are academically excellent. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses.
“We just need to find the path that is suitable for ourselves,” he added.
