PETALING JAYA: Propelling Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates into the working sector can reduce dependence on foreign workers, industry players say.Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had outlined a pilot model under Budget 2023 involving TVET institutions to provide training programmes.
National Association of Human Resources Malaysia president Zarina Ismail hailed the move and hoped it would be implemented properly.
“We have many students who come out from vocational, polytechnic, Industrial Training Institutes (ILP) and National Youth Skills Institutes (IKBN) and we should give them the opportunities and space to fill the vacancies.
“They have been trained and learned in theory and practical. There is no denying their quality, it may just be because of the salary factor that is still an issue,” she said.
Malaysian Federation of Employers (MEF) president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the government’s pilot model would give more confidence to other private sector’s players to follow suit.
“Such an initiative will ensure that TVET training will meet the requirements of the relevant industries and eliminate mismatches,” he said.
Under Budget 2023, the pilot model involving some 50 government-linked companies will partially or fully take over the operations of TVET institutions such as community colleges, Public Skills Training Institutes (ILAs) and IKBNs.
These include Petronas, DRB Hicom, Sunway, Berjaya, MRCB and multiple banks.
